How to Make Friends as an Adult | Ep477

Aug 5, 2025

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, a clinical professor and UCLA PEERS Program director, reveals secrets to forming adult friendships. She discusses the challenges adults face compared to childhood and shares practical conversation starters based on common interests. Laugeson emphasizes the importance of hosting meaningful gatherings and maintaining reciprocity in dialogues. She also offers strategies for navigating conflicts through active listening and empathetic communication, making networking and building bonds more approachable for busy professionals.

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ADVICE

Start With Common Interests

Start conversations with common interests for natural rapport.
Avoid awkward direct introductions, comment or ask about shared contexts instead.

ADVICE

Entering Group Conversations

Enter group conversations by observing and listening first without intruding.
Join during a conversation pause with an on-topic comment or question.

ADVICE

Avoid Policing Conversations

Avoid "policing" or negative corrections in conversations.
Steer clear of arguments to build and keep friendships or networks.

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Making friends as an adult can be daunting, but Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, offers practical solutions in this episode of Succeed In Medicine. As the founding director of the UCLA PEERS Program, Dr. Laugeson shares insights from her globally recognized social skills training, used in over 150 countries. She joins host Brad to discuss how physicians can apply ecologically valid social skills to build friendships and network effectively. From starting cold conversations using common interests to joining group discussions without “policing,” Dr. Laugeson breaks down strategies like finding shared hobbies, hosting successful get-togethers, and resolving conflicts with active empathic listening and “I” statements. Whether you’re a busy parent or a new physician in an unfamiliar city, this episode provides actionable tips to forge meaningful connections and navigate social challenges with confidence.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Start Conversations with Common Interests – Initiate cold conversations or join group discussions by commenting on shared contexts (e.g., a conference session or a kids’ sports event), avoiding abrupt introductions or negative “policing” to build rapport naturally.
Plan Get-Togethers Strategically – Match the setting to the friendship stage (casual for new connections, personal for established ones) and invite people with shared interests or compatible personalities to foster chemistry and connection.
Resolve Conflicts Effectively – Use a structured approach to conflicts: stay calm, practice active empathic listening by paraphrasing the other person’s perspective, use “I” statements to explain your side, apologize for misunderstandings, and propose future-oriented solutions.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCLA and a licensed clinical psychologist. As the founding director of the UCLA PEERS Program, she has developed evidence-based social skills interventions for individuals from preschool to adulthood, translated into over a dozen languages and implemented in more than 150 countries. She is also the author of The Science of Making Friends and directs the UCLA Tarjan Center, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Website: http://www.semel.ucla.edu/peers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elizabeth-laugeson-526a584

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uclapeers?igsh=MzM2N3d0d2poenJv

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.