How do you all go about meeting new people?

Question

I just realized the other day that I don't really know how to go about keeting new people. All my friends are from school, and really the only reason we met in the first place is because we were all forced to go. I'm not a very social person, I don't enjoy parties or concerts, I'm not old enough to go to bars, etc.
I'm mainly curious because I would like to make more friends and meet new people outside of school, but I honestly have no idea of how to go about it given my less-than-outgoing nature.
Thoughts?

SteveSmith1985 · Accepted Answer

So I am the opposite of you in that I'm an outgoing extrovert. I generally find it easy to meet people IN A SITUATION CONDUCIVE TO THAT.

So, as far as natural inclination goes. I got all of that. Nevertheless...

What you're hoping to do, is a difficult thing for anybody to do. Even someone who finds it easy to talk to new people, and is extremely confident in their ability to make friends.

The big shock everyone goes through when they're finished school (all of it) is... exactly what you're realizing: "Oh shit... wait... how do people meet people without school forcing them together for extended periods of time".

Anyone will tell you how much harder it is to make NEW friends after school.

So, what you're looking for is a situation where you can make new friends "organically and naturally" (like the ones that form at school).

The easiest way to re-create that sort-of "together regularly" thing is by getting involved in SOMETHING organized. What exactly that thing IS... depends on what you're into.

But you're looking for things like "clubs" "teams" "classes" "lessons" or some situation where you're going to be around the same people over and over... everyone is open to meeting someone new in those situations, and most importantly... you're both there for some other reason (to play volleyball, or volunteer at the food-bank or whatever you're doing). Therefore, there is no awkward pressure on anybody. You just engage in whatever activity you're doing... and interact with people as you naturally would.

Your best bet is finding something structured to get involved in.

Now that's for meeting NEW people. Once you make a few friends... those usually lead to meeting more people eventually in the form of THEIR friends. So you only need the "structured thing" as a jumping-off point. After that, your social circle widens sorta organically as well.

Other than that. It's hard to meet people. Just wait until the first time you try that once you're old enough for the bar. You'll see that it's about as easy to do that, as it is to make a new friend while grocery shopping.

I'd take a look at what you "can get involved with" at least to start. 🙂

AdithyaR · Accepted Answer

Till now any friends I've made were all cases of people who came up to me and interacted. So i guess sitting awkwardly and reading a book seems to have worked for me.

Rosexøxø · Accepted Answer

My only advice:

Do it at the places of your hobbies:

book clubs/ town sports clubs/ museums/ galleries/ film theaters/ art theaters/ zoos/ aquariums/ thrift stores/ antique shops/ skate parks?

national parks/ park-community trails/

libraries/ art shops? Music shops/ laboratories that are accessible?

animal clinics/ havens?

any repair shops of items you own.

Make small talk- ask conversations.

can be even at your favorite restaurant or the grocery.

if they seem receptive and reciprocate even, then you can try advancing it and see how things go. 🤷‍♀️

Doesn’t have to be hard.

melanieeeB · Accepted Answer

Right now I met a few new people through my new workplace

But you can meet new people through like dance or cooking classes or you try another hobby where you have to go into a group setting. (Gym workout groups, like pilates or whatever your gym offers for example)

In the past I met new friends through going to parties and clubs (you don't have to drink and all that) or through people I met and they knew someone and etc

burlen · Answer

Yes, here are some suggestions on how to meet new people:

Join a club or organisation: Find a club or organization that aligns with your interests, such as a sports team, hobby group, or volunteer organization. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests.

Attend social events: Attend parties, barbecues, and other social events hosted by friends, family, or community organisations. This can be a good way to meet new people in a relaxed and casual setting.

Take a class: Consider taking a class in a subject that interests you, such as cooking, photography, or a foreign language. This can be a good way to meet people with similar interests and learn a new skill at the same time.

Volunteer: Volunteer for a cause you care about, such as a local charity or political campaign. This is a great way to meet new people while making a positive impact in your community.

Join a meetup group: Meetup. com is a website that connects people based on common interests. You can join a local Meetup group to meet people with similar interests in your area.

bowenw · Answer

Work somewhere where there are a lot of people. Join some groups related to things you are interested in. Go out to places that aren't bars, like coffee houses.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Most people I know I have met though work.

Jennz6 · Answer

Go to a Nightclub

SnowedIn · Answer

Coffee shops.

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