Where do you go to meet new people?

Question

Something I've come to realize is that as an adult, you are provided with less opportunities to meet new people, be it for romantic reasons or just to meet new friends. And the current era of socialization finds that is a rapidly growing issue in general for a lot of younger adults now.

It's something I've had to struggle with. I had a friend group I was quite happy with when I was in the military, but when I got out and moved back home to be near my family I found I didn't have any here. I can interact long-distance with my military friends, but it's not quite the same as having people I can meet with in person. I've tried those socializing apps like Boo where they advertise it as being a way to meet friends, but ultimately I was just spammed by guys wanting a hookup so I assume that's the interaction a lot of others have gotten from it as well. Going to the gym isn't really a great place to meet new people since the etiquette there is to not talk to people. I've tried with people I'm in college with, but a majority of them are 18-19 while I'm closer to 30 than 20 so it creates a bit of a social gap.

So, I'm curious if not for myself then for anyone else with this issue that might happen upon this post: How do any of you meet new people?

Chazmatazz269 · Accepted Answer

Meetup. com, there’s a website and an app. You can choose groups based on interests and activities, or just browse groups and try different things. Most groups are free. Some have small membership fees to help organizers stay on top of the cost of putting groups and events together.
You can even start your own group on day one if you don’t find something to your liking. Once you have some groups, you browse events and RSVP for the ones that interest you. You’re bound to meet people, and the ice breaker is done for you because you already have at least one thing in common with everyone at any given event. The rest is up to you. You can also RSVP to bring guests. So if you’re uncomfortable going alone or if you think a friend or relative might enjoy an event, just plus one, or six!

As an introvert, it’s almost ideal for me. I can RSVP several events and cancel up to the day of the event if my battery is low, as long as nobody is out money. Or i can RSVP last minute when i’m feeling the social yen. Some groups and events require extra planning and preparation, including monies up front. So obviously it’s frowned upon to sign up for a bunch of those and then just cancel.

OlderAndWiser · Accepted Answer

I don't have that problem. My family has lived in this area since 1790 so we are very well established. I have friends through the church I have attended for 25 years. I have professional colleagues with whom I have practiced law for 38 years. I have several friends from high school who I still see periodically. I am active as an alumnus of my undergraduate fraternity and I have many friends in that group. When I was dating, I had great results using online dating sites and I eventually married a woman I met online.

I was introverted when I was younger but I forced myself to become comfortable with acting like an extrovert, and it paid off for me.

For you, church and volunteer activities might be an avenue for meeting people. Do you have any interest in groups such as Civitans or Rotary?

DishLady · Accepted Answer

I meet new people wherever I go -- people are everywhere. If you just present yourself with a open and honest demeanor, others will see that and find you approachable.