Kendall Jenner Was *The* Most Liked Model on Instagram During Fashion Month

Nicole Briese
Mar 16, 2017

From New York to London to Milan to Paris, fashion month is the biannual event that breathes life into the fashion industry. While not everyone can be front row next to the likes of Anna Wintour (*ahem, fake Sisqó), Instagram gave us a window into all the sartorial action. In fact, between February 9 and March 7, the hashtags of #NYFW, #LFW, #MFW, and #PFW earned a whopping 387 million likes, comments, posts, and stories. And no model earned more likes than Kendall Jenner.

Yep, Kim Kardashian West’s little sis beat out other major names including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Hailey Baldwin to win this distinction. During fashion week both here and abroad, Jenner took her fans along the way via her Instagram as she walked for designers including Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren in NYC, Burberry in London, Fendi and Moschino in Milan, and Chanel in Paris.

View this post on Instagram

gang

A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on

Not only was girlfriend THE most liked model throughout the entire month, but she also boasted the most-liked model photo at New York Fashion Week (2 million), London Fashion Week (1.8 million), Milan Fashion Week (1.9 mllion), AND Paris Fashion Week.

View this post on Instagram

🍾

A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on

And, just in case that wasn’t impressive enough, Jenner was the subject of the most liked designer pic from London Fashion Week, with a photo of her in a Burberry knitted hooded shrug racking up more than 57,000 likes — yowza!

According to Teen Vogue, other notable, non-Kendall IG posts included those from Chanel, Victoria Beckham, and Gucci to name a few, but the Kardashian-Jenner sis consistently topped them all. (Seriously, who tops V. Becks?)

Guess people can’t keep up with the Kardashians (or Jenners)?

Tag us in your favorite post from Fashion Week @BritandCo.

(h/t Teen Vogue; photos via Pascal le Segretain, Elisabetta Villa/Getty)

Hailey Bieber And Kendall Jenner's 10-Year Friendship Is Unbreakable — Even After Dating The Same Guy

With so many iconic famous friendships, there are actually very few that are able to last the test of time. Usually, with their lives being so public, and everything being magnified, many friendships fall out due to busy schedules, drama, or even competition. That's what makes the bond between Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber seem so genuine!

Despite knowing each other for over 10 years, working in the same career field, and even dating some of the same men, these two have remained just as close since day one — and we couldn't be more obsessed! Keep reading to see a full timeline of this famous powerhouse duo and their super sweet friendship.

How long have Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber known each other?

Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Harper's BAZAAR

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber met in 2012, and have remained by each other's side since — that's over 10 years of friendship! Their parents run in the same circles, so they knew of each other for a while, but didn't officially meet until later on when Kylie Jenner finally introduced the pair. Ever since that day, they've remained the best of friends!

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber's Full Friendship Timeline

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

2012 — Kendall Jenner And Hailey Bieber Meet At The Hunger Games Premiere

It seems like these girls have always known each other, with how deep their friendship goes. But it turns out they met in 2012, at none other than the Hunger Gamespremiere. In an interview with Vogue, Kendall recounts their first hangout by saying, "You were friends with Kylie and then you realized that I was more fun." Then she follows by saying how she and Hailey bonded over their many common interests like living in NY and modeling.

October 2014 — Kendall Jenner And Justin Bieber Are Rumored to Be Dating

This is when Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber begin hanging out, and briefly dating. They're spotted out together on multiple occasions by paparazzi, and Justin even went on to confirm to Billboard that they dated, but it was "never serious." Little did Kendall know, that the man would end up being her BFF's husband one day!

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 2014 — Hailey Bieber And Justin Bieber Seen On A Date

Only a few months after Kendall's seen with Justin, Hailey went out on a date with her future husband for the first time. They were spotted out on a dinner date to Mr. Chow in NYC. This fizzled out shortly after, but was later rekindled when they started dating again. It seems like not even a man can come in between these girls' friendship!

April 2015 — Hailey Bieber And Kendall Jenner Go To Coachella

The two besties are going everywhere together, including the hottest festival of the year — Coachella! They fashionable duo are spotted enjoying the festival, and having a good time. This was also the festival where Kendall and Justin took some iconic polaroids and posted them to IG.

Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for FVA Productions

April 2016 — Hailey Bieber Prank Calls Kendall Jenner

In an interview with E!, Hailey talks about how much she values her friendship with Kendall and Gigi (Hadid), and then she goes on to prank call Kendall. The interviewer pretends that Hailey lost her phone, and Kendall goes straight into protective best friend mode, trying to get Hailey her phone back. She played it all off so well, showing what a good friend she is!

November 2017 — Hailey Bieber Celebrates Her 21st Birthday With Kendall and Friends

Kendall and Hailey were spotted many times over the years, but the two also went on a huge trip to the Bahamas with a bunch of their closest friends like Bella Hadid, and many other models. It looked like such a fun time for these besties!

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

July 2018 — Kendall Congratulates Hailey On Her Engagement

Hailey and Justin announced their engagement, and Kendall was quickly asked about it in an interview with Jimmy Fallon. Kendall says in response, "Whatever makes them happy, I'm happy. I've been friends with both of them for a very long time. So, everybody's happy, and that makes me happy." Besties supporting besties!

December 2018 — Kendall Jenner And Hailey Bieber Put Their Friendship To The Test

These girls put their friendship to the test — literally. They went on James Corden's Carpool Karaoke to see if their friendship can last through anything. Kendall asked Hailey if Justin thinks she's cool, while Hailey was hooked up, and Hailey replies with a hesitant, "Yes." Only for the lie detector to go off! We love that they can take a joke, and have fun with each other.

September 2019 — Kendall Throws Hailey A Wild Bachelorette Party

Before Hailey was to get married, obvi she had to have a wild night out for her bachelorette, and Kendall delivered. She threw a huge night out for her and their friends to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. You can tell that they definitely had a blast that night!

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

October 2019 — Kendall Goes To Hailey And Justin's Wedding

Kendall shows up and shows out for Hailey's big day in this stunning couture gown. She looks incredible to support her best friends on their magical nuptials in South Carolina.

February 2021 — Kendall Jenner Joins Hailey Bieber On Her Show

In Hailey's iconic show "Who's In My Bathroom?" Hailey has her bestie on to play a crazy, and drama-filled game of Never Have I Ever. In this game, they answer questions like, "Never have I ever kissed the same guy as my best friend." To which, they ended up taking the shot (Hey, Justin). If you haven't seen it, you need to watch, because these besties are actually so hilarious.

May 2024 — Kendall Comments On Hailey's Baby Announcement

Hailey and Justin Bieber announce that they're pregnant with their first baby, and Kendall is one of the first people to comment on the post. She commented with, "Ahhh here come the tears again ❤." Once again showing what a supportive friend she is. We couldn't be more obsessed with their adorable friendship that's now been going on for over a decade!

Subscribe to our newsletter to see more entertainment news + updates!

Header image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

friendshiphailey bieberkendall jennerpop culturecelebrity newscelebrities

Oop! Brianna Chickenfry Spotted With New Man Amid Zach Bryan Breakup

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"
@ihatebriannachickenfry

Sometimes all you need is a nyc sunrise and some good pals

♬ I Can Do It With a Broken Heart - Taylor Swift

November 15, 2024 — Brianna Alleges Zach Bryan Picked Out Engagement Ring For Her

It goes down in the DM, according to Brianna (& Yo Gotti). In a TikTok caption, Brianna explained that her "biggest celeb crush tried to slide [in her DMs] a few months back" but that she denied it given her relationship with Zach. Then, in the comments Brianna elaborated that she continues to learn more about Zach's alleged infidelities — and how deep they really go. She wrote, "Been finding out he was cheating the whole time lol. The week he showed me my engagement ring he was DMing girls hahahahha.” OOF, that's tough.

November 17, 2024 — Brianna Posts TikTok With A New Man... & Threatens To Post Alleged Abuse From Zach Bryan

After going through Taylor Swift's entire anthology (girl, we've BEEN there!), it's clear Brianna Chickenfry isn't about to let her breakup with Zach Bryan bring her down. The podcast host posted a TikTok on November 17, 2024 with the caption, “Sometimes all you need is a nyc sunrise and some good pals." And while that message is sweet, we noticed something else pretty sweet — the man she's seemingly cuddled up with throughout the 42 second clip!

Commenters were quick to notice, too — one person even writing, "That was fast." Brianna responded, “Well I was cheated on my whole relationship so yeah," clearly proving she doesn't care what anyone thinks right now. And good for her!

That same day, Brianna threatened to share videos of alleged abuse from her relationship after Zach kept posting pictures of her cats, according to Page Six. She said the videos depict “whipping s–t at my face," but her reps have yet to respond to Page Six for comment about this.

Definitely a whirlwind of a day in the life of Bri...

Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!

celebritiescelebrity newscelebrity breakupscelebrity couples

*The* Naomi Campbell Partnered With Two Young Designers To Debut A Collection For PrettyLittleThing

Get ready because Naomi Campbell helped design a collection for PrettyLittleThing. One of everyone's fave OG '90s supermodels partnered with the well-known fashion brand, bringing a line that's true to Campbell's unique style — sleek, sexy, and a little shiny.

PLT first teasedthe collection at the end of June, but managed to keep the actual aesthetic under wraps...until this week. Campbell and PLT debuted the line for New York Fashion Week at Cipriani, and you know the queen herself had to strut down the runway, too. While the collab stuck controversy due to PLT's roots in fast fashion, we can't help but love the looks.

You can shop this highly-anticipated, buzz worthy collection already! Here are the juicy details about the collab — and where to buy it. 😉

How did the Naomi Campbell and PrettyLittleThing collaboration start? 

When Vogueasked how the collaboration came to be, Naomi said, "I met Umar Kamani [cofounder of PrettyLittleThing], and I loved that he embraced that I wanted to work with young emerging talent and share the platform. So here we are!”

What was Naomi Campbell's response to the naysayers? 

Naomi Campbell is no stranger to criticism, and she told W Magazine she's privy to how people feel about fast fashion. "I understand what people are going to say, but I took it from a standpoint of getting to know the audience of the younger generation and being able to share my platform."

Who are the young designers Naomi Campbell worked with for her PLT collection?

Campbell partnered with designers Edvin Thompson (Theophilio) and Victor Anate (Vicnate).

What styles does the Naomi Campbell x PLT collection feature?

In what feels like an ode to the glamorous nights of the '90s, the Naomi Campbell and PrettyLittleThing collection pairs chiffon, mesh, and satin textures with smooth designs. From an embellished mesh dress to tailored blazers, this collection says, "It's okay to have bourgeois tastes while on a budget."

Is the Naomi Campbell x PLT collection available to shop?

It sure is! The collection can be found on PrettyLittleThing.

Black Embellished Mesh Backless High Neck Maxi

Shop Selects From The Naomi Campbell x PLT Collection Here

Image via PrettyLittleThing

Black Croc PU Bow Detail Bodycon Dress

Image via PrettyLittleThing

Black PU Oversized Trench Coat

Image via PrettyLittleThing

Black Tailored Satin Lapel Blazer Dress

Image via PrettyLittleThing

Silver Sequin High Neck Backless Bodycon Dress

Chartreuse Satin Extreme Cowl Bodycon Dress

It's too soon to say, but someone on our editorial team might invest in a cute dress from the Naomi Campbell and PrettyLittleThing collection for her birthday dinner...why are y'all looking at me?! 😇

How do you feel about this collab? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

naomi campbellnyfwprettylittlethingshoppingstyle

Jennifer Lawrence's Second Baby (Bump) Is Already More Stylish Than I'll Ever Be

Jennifer Lawrence announced she's pregnant, and we couldn't be happier for her! Though she and her husband, Cooke Maroney, aren't known for being in the public eye too much, it seems like this is one piece of news they don't mind sharing! Sorry, but we haven't been this excited about baby news since Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson became parents — excuse us while we celebrate!

Here's everything we know about baby number 2 so far.

November 17: Jennifer Lawrence Glows On The Red Carpet Again

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Not only is Jennifer Lawrence glowing during her second pregnancy, but she's also showing how stylish moms can be! According to WWD, she wore a gorgeous brown Bottega Veneta gown to the Governors Award event and looked like a goddess on the red carpet. The dress and its gold hardware complemented her skin beautifully along with her matching clutch!

It seems like maternity style gets better every year and it gives this mama hope that the world sees that life doesn't stop just because we have kiddos in tow!

Has Jennifer Lawrence debuted her baby bump yet?

Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI

YES! Jennifer Lawrence's baby bump was the star of the Zurawski v Texas premiere (via PEOPLE). She wore a structured white dress with a black belt around her waist that accentuated her cute baby bump and appeared to be glowing.

According to Deadline, she's one of the executive producers of Zurawski v Texas, a documentary that sheds light on the "restrictive abortion laws" that put women's lives in danger in Texas. Alongside producers Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, Jennifer's involvement in the documentary as a pregnant woman makes a pivotal statement during a time where mothers' mortalities aren't always considered during their pregnancies.

When did Jennifer Lawrence announce her second pregnancy?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Leave it to Vogue to get the exclusive scoop about Jennifer being pregnant again! According to the publication, an official "representative for the actor confirmed" the news yesterday, October 20. So exciting!

When is Jennifer Lawrence's second baby due?

Kevin Mazur

Jennifer Lawrence hasn't announced her due date yet, so we can't be quite sure! However, if she's out of her first trimester, Jennifer could have her baby around April 2025!

What have Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney said about their family?

John Phillips/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

It seems Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney were open to the idea of having another baby as recently as this summer! An unknown source told Entertainment Tonight, "Jennifer and Cooke are doing very well and are super in love. They make each other laugh and have the best time parenting together. They would love to have another kid and expand their family."

When was Jennifer Lawrence's first baby born?

Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Jennifer and Cooke's firstborn son, Cy, was born February 2022, which means he's almost three years old!

The actress later explored her feeling about becoming a mom in another Vogueinterview. "It’s so scary to talk about motherhood. Only because it’s so different for everybody. If I say, It was amazing from the start, some people will think, 'It wasn’t amazing for me at first,' and feel bad. Fortunately I have so many girlfriends who were honest. Who were like, It’s scary," she said.

What has Jennifer Lawrence said about being a mom?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

It seems like Jennifer found her stride because she's apparently embraced being a mom. She hasn't said anything recently, but she did speak with Entertainment Tonight last year during the promotion of No Hard Feelings about her parenting habits. "Of course, the urge to stop anything from ever hurting or negatively affecting your baby..." she said.

However, co-star Andrew Barth Feldman had nothing but positive words to share about Jennifer as a mom. "Jen is an amazing mother, for real. That was kind of one of the incredible things about doing this with you is seeing just how much of a priority being a mother is for you and how deeply you care about that over everything," he said.

We can't wait to see how Jennifer's second pregnancy develops and hope she's willing to give us a little sneak peek of how she's prepping to have two young kids!

Follow us on Facebook to stay tuned for updates!

celebritiescelebrity couplesentertainmentjennifer lawrencensfwcelebrity news

4 Habits Women With Tons Of Friends All Have In Common

Have you ever wondered why it seems some women always have the best friendships? We're talking about on the level of Sex and the Cityor Insecure. It's debatable whether some of those friends are toxic or not, but that's another story. The point is, it seems like some women have the best luck when it comes to building fun and supportive platonic relationships.

Are there unique qualities women in this position share? According to friendship coach Zoe Asher and licensed therapist Nicolle Osequeda, the answer is yes! Asher is host of the top-rated Accidentally Intentional podcast while Osequeda is the owner and founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, giving them an inside look at how people tend to approach all types of relationships!

Let's dive in!

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

The one thing everyone with a solid group of friends can agree on is how it feels like you've built your own supportive community. Friends are often the first people we turn to with good or bad news, or the ones we simply want to go on adventures with. Osequeda says, "Women with strong friendship circles often value connection, community, and the power of vulnerability."

There's a realization that women in this unique position are able to "recognize that life is richer with a support system," says Osequeda. This involves "people who will listen, validate, and be there through both the highs and lows" she adds. From the friend who stayed up with you all night after a bad breakup to the one who cheered the loudest at your graduation, women who have a huge friend circle know that life feels better when we can connect with others.

Based on her experience as a therapist, she's "observed how women start friendships by gradually sharing layers of themselves." This can look like "having children at the same school or bonding over shared interests," she adds. This vulnerability is important because it creates a foundation that signals to women they've found their tribe.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

Like Osequeda mentioned, vulnerability can deepen our friendships. "These women are open to sharing the 'messy' parts of themselves which builds a deeper, more authentic bond." Also, she notes women with a lot of friends "aren't afraid to shed layers and be real" because "this vulnerability strengthens their sense of community." The more this happens over time, the more it "helps foster the connections" women with a lot of friends "cherish," according to Osequeda.

Honestly, she says "we’re all wired to seek out connection, and friendships provide that sense of community, validation, and belonging." She believes we truly "crave spaces where we can share our thoughts and feelings about what truly matters to us."

Asher believes women with lots of friends are "usually drawn towards one another in friendship" based on two levels:

  • Level 1: Shared interests, appearance of confidence, a positive energy that they feel (smiling helps with this!)
  • Level 2: (When in conversation) the safety they feel when speaking to another person, [emotional compatibility], how engaged the person is in conversation, and a desire to learn more about them, ultimately to find shared values.

This determines how women move forward in friendships. The approach is often led with "a deep sense of authenticity and care," according to Osequeda. "This is because women want relationships where they can be themselves, sharing hopes, dreams, and frustrations without judgment."

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

Again, the fact women with lots of friends actually like the people in their chosen circle is monumental. Asher says, "An interesting Yale study done in 2003 sought to look at 'popularity' in high schools to see if they could find something that all of the most liked and most popular kids had in common (outside of being a jock, etc.,)."

The common thread? "THEY liked the highest amount of people," Asher reveals. I talk about being a people pleaser a lot, but genuinely liking others isn't the same as that. IMO, it's actually admirable when people can respect others regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexuality.

She knows you're likely asking, "How does this apply to women having a lot of friends?" Her answer? "Across the board, the principle here is that women with the most friends are continuously on a hunt to find good and likable things about others."

However, this isn't based on a selfish need or want. "They've determined that the time invested in others is of mutual benefit," says Asher because "the biggest coast in adult female friendships is time — the most finite resource we all share in common."

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Elina Fairytale/Pexels

While making friends as adults shouldn't be hard, it definitely doesn't mean it comes easily. From overthinking to social anxiety, there's so many reasons why we struggle. Also, this idea we're doing fine without friends isn't exactly helpful or positive. Asher says, "The CDC has said that the impacts of loneliness on our bodies are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes A DAY! Making time for quality friendships (and the pursuit of it) is just as important for your physical state as working out is."

Where should you start if you want to forge new friendships? Osequeda says, "Start within communities that already resonate with you — whether it’s your child’s school, your workplace, a gym, dog park or a shared hobby. Places where you already belong create natural opportunities to connect." She even suggests giving "apps like Bumble BFF or local meet-up groups" a chance because they "can also help you find like-minded friends." But don't think you're limited to this!

Though Asher agrees that women tend to approach "friendships by trying to find commonalities right from the beginning," she says you don't have to confine yourself to this formula. "The reason I don't think this is best is because we are boxing ourselves in when we do this. The greatest friends could be on the other side of the stereotypes we're creating," she notes. Taking it a step further, Asher shared her own experience with this. "I watched all 3 of my best friends get married and have kids all before I ever got married. On the outside, most women would think 'They don’t have anything in common.' But on the inside, the character traits and values we each were looking for were mutual, and that became a more important compass for our friendship than the stage in life we were each in."

She was even surprised she'd become close to her best friends because of how things looked externally. "We had nothing in common, but I'm so glad I didn't box myself in," she says excitedly.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Asher has three ways you can open yourself up to new adult friendships if you're interested.

  1. The most important place to start is our mindset. We have to first decide “I don’t want to be lonely anymore, and I’m worth having meaningful friendships.” When we make that decision, then we give ourselves permission and the courage to step out and take action in that! Important note about this: there was a study done at Stanford that revealed that people are 1.5x MORE likely to accept us than we think they are! So don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back!
  2. Go first. Make the ask, and then make the plans! Saying “We should hang out sometime” is ineffective because “sometime” isn’t a day on the calendar! We cannot wait for other people to want to pursue a friendship with us, because most of us are in this same boat — not knowing where to start! We can pursue connection, get plugged into a community (examples: book club, fitness class, church, etc), or create our own connections by just inviting someone over to our house/apartment. The biggest thing we need to remind ourselves of that is to stop making excuses, or pre-determining how we think people will respond!
  3. Again, don’t box yourself in. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think your archetype of a friend will look like stop you from spending time with others who don't fit that label. As addressed above, the friendships we’ve been looking for our whole lives could be right behind the stereotypes we’ve created! It’s more about character traits than it is about the external compatibility of hobbies or stages of life.

Osequeda's last piece of advice? "If you already have a friend group, meeting friends of friends is another great way to grow your circle. They key is taking that first step with a little bit of vulnerability — start a conversation, ask a question, and show interest." She's sure "it's these small moments of openness that create lasting connections!"

Want to know if you've taken on a certain role in your friendships? Discover the 11 ways you can tell if you're an empath!
friendshipspersonalityrelationships