Try New Adventures as Friends
Thirty-two easy ways to try new adventures as friends, because novelty makes memories and strengthens bonds.
New things bring friends closer. Be a little brave together.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
New things bond people
Studies suggest that trying novel activities together increases closeness and satisfaction. Adventure sparks fresh energy.
Try one.
List ideas
Cooking class, kayaking, pottery, a new town, a festival. Write ten.
List ten.
Pick something new to both
Equal beginners feel closer. Avoid activities where one is the expert.
Choose well.
Choose a safe level
Start gentle. Adventure does not need risk.
Start gently.
Check safety
Check weather, equipment and rules. Safe adventure is fun adventure.
Be careful.
Go together
Plan travel, timing and what to bring. Share the planning.
Plan.
Encourage each other
Cheer for effort. Kindness makes risk feel safe.
Cheer.
Try small adventures
A new street, a new cafe, a new walk. Small is fine.
Go small.
Share the story later
Tell the story to others. It extends joy.
Share.
Plan the next one
Before leaving, decide the next adventure. Keep the spark.
Plan.
Script: suggesting
Shall we try a pottery class together? Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: agreeing
Yes, let us do it, it will be fun. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: encouraging
You can do it, I am right here with you! Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: laughing
That was a total mess, and I loved every second. Say it happily.
Use it.
Script: closing
Thanks for trying it with me, what shall we try next? Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: making it competitive
Adventure is about joy, so keep it light.
Relax.
Mistake: planning too much
Leave room for fun, so keep it loose.
Be flexible.
Troubleshoot: when your friend is nervous
Choose a gentler activity and go slowly. Offer reassurance.
Be kind.
Troubleshoot: when money is limited
Choose free or cheap adventures like hikes and free museums. Creativity helps.
Go cheap.
Troubleshoot: when time is limited
Try a one-hour adventure like a new street food. Small counts.
Go short.
Troubleshoot: when you have a health limit
Choose accessible adventures or armchair ones. Adapt.
Adapt.
Troubleshoot: when it goes wrong
Laugh, learn and tell the story. Mishaps become treasure.
Laugh.
Drill: try one new thing
Try one new activity with a friend this month. Book it.
Book.
Drill: make an adventure list
Make a shared adventure list with a friend. Tick items.
List.
Drill: share a photo
Share a photo of your adventure with a thank-you line. Smile.
Share.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“Shall we try rock climbing?”
“Let us do it together.”
“You can do it!”
“That was a mess, and I loved it.”
“Thanks for trying it with me.”
“What shall we try next?”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pick something new
Choose a safe level
Go together
Encourage each other
Laugh at mistakes
Share photos
Plan the next
Further reading
- Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)
- The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Build Stronger Friendships”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Share Inside Jokes and RitualsNext: Take a Trip Together →
- Trust: The Ground Everything Grows In
- Reliability: Do What You Say
- Honesty With Kindness
- Respect for Differences
- Shared Values and Shared Fun
- Mutual Effort
- Safety to Be Yourself
- Show Up When It Is Inconvenient
- Be Generous With Your Time
- Celebrate Their Success Without Envy
- Keep Their Secrets
- Say Thank You Often
- Give Honest Support, Not Empty Praise
- Be Easy to Be Around
- Share What You Really Feel
- Ask Better Questions About Their Life
- The Thirty-Six Questions That Build Closeness
- Tell Stories That Matter
- Be Vulnerable in Small Doses
- Receive Their Vulnerability Well
- Create Safe Space for Hard Topics
- What to Say to a Friend in Pain
- What Not to Say
- Show Up With Practical Help
- Check In After the Crisis
- Ask for Support Yourself
- Be Patient With Grief and Change
- Celebrate With Them After the Storm
- Plan Regular Fun Together
- Share Inside Jokes and Rituals
- Try New Adventures as Friends
- Take a Trip Together
- Laugh Often, Laugh Together
- Create Traditions
- Let Friends Change and Grow
- Be Their Cheerleader for Big Goals
- Talk About the Friendship Itself
- Forgive and Repair Quickly
- Keep Learning What Your Friend Needs
- Your Friendship Deepening Plan
