25 Ways to Meet New People

Do you want to get new friends?

Have you found it difficult to make friends as an adult?

It is weird, isn’t it? We use to be able to go up to one another, grab his/her hand and declare “you’re my friend now.”

If you do that now…well, it might be kind of weird 🙈

The age of COVID is certainly upon us but take in the following suggestions regardless if you can implement them right now or if some may need to wait in order to be responsibly enjoyed 😄

Here is a list of 25 hotspots to magnetically attract like-minded people to you…

1.       Join board game and card game leagues

Whether you prefer the buzz of in-person gatherings or the convenience of online play, board game and card game leagues are a fantastic way to meet people who share your strategic side. These groups often host regular meetups or virtual sessions for games like Catan, Uno, or classic card games. If you’re into Hearts or Spades, try Solitaire Bliss, a great online platform for casual or competitive play. You’ll sharpen your mind while building new friendships through fun and friendly rivalry.

2.       Attend social events with your friends

Some of your friends may know others you haven’t met yet. Going out with your friends broadens your horizon and gives you a chance to interact with friends of friends. Making those close connections can be pretty natural and fun.

3.       Take Part in Organized Activities in Your Neighborhood

Whether you live in an old-fashioned neighborhood or a condo building, go to any scheduled social events that are held to ring neighbors together. We’re made for connection and community…

4.       Speaking of your Neighborhood, get out and about often

You’re more likely to meet your neighbors if you’re actually outside. Don’t stay holed up in your home, apartment, condo…get out and about!

5.       Join a gym

Besides staying in shape, a fitness gym provides many opportunities to connect with others. Old and young alike can enjoy the benefits of a gym. It’s also one of the best ways to maintain your mental health + you’ll be making friends with like-minded individuals. It’s a win-win!

6.       Establish healthy co-worker relationships

Perhaps you have colleagues you haven’t met yet. Make an effort to get to know your colleagues. Invite them to lunch. Stay on a few minutes on your zoom call, make small talk. You spend the most amount of your time with your colleagues, be intentional.

7.       Become a member of a book club

Attending a book club is a fun and interesting way to make the acquaintance of people who also share your love of reading.

8.       Play team sports

Most communities offer sports for all ages. Whatever your sports preference, seek it out. You’ll undoubtedly meet new people.

9.       Spend time at extended family member’s homes

Your family members no doubt have friends and neighbors who come over sometimes. The more time your spend with your extended family members, the greater the likelihood that you’ll meet their friends.

10.   Volunteer at your favorite charity

A wonderful way to meet new people who have passions similar to yours is to volunteer your time at a charity. There is never a shortage on help that is needed.

11.   Pursue a hobby

For example, if you enjoy woodworking, you’ll most likely connect with new people through obtaining supplies, attending seminars, and selling your finished products. If you knit, find a knitting circle to join. It’s important to have a hobby and your local community certainly has things to offer even in the midst of a global pandemic.

12.   Take a class

In addition to learning something new, you’ll also make new acquaintances when you take a course at your local college or university.

13.   Explore new places of business in your community

When a new restaurant opens, stop in and have a meal. You’ll meet the wait staff and maybe even the owner. If a bookstore opens, drop in to shop and introduce yourself to the shop owner. Be intentional about where you spend your money and creating those connections. Small businesses need your help more than ever!

14.   Attend a local health seminar

Most hospitals hold occasional seminars covering various medical situations and wellness topics. Attending these local seminars will give you the opportunity to meet people of similar interests. Again, join a gym!

15.   Feel free to chat when you’re waiting for service

Whether you’re sitting at a table in a casual restaurant or waiting in line at the grocery store, strike up a conversation with those around you. Get off your phone, look around, smile and connect.

16.   Be active and involved at your children’s school

An easy way to meet others is to stay involved with your children’s schools.

17.   Frequent the same grocery store every week

Something as simple as shopping as the same store each week can bring new people into your life. After a while, you’ll see each other as familiar faces and it will be easy to strike up a conversation. Be intentional in your local community.

18.   Go for a daily walk

If you walk each day in your neighborhood, your neighbors will get to know your face. Eventually, you’ll end up becoming acquainted and who knows when you’ll need to borrow a few eggs or some sugar.

19.   Get involved with your local community

Most areas have community associations who go out together into the community to occasionally person activities that “beautify” the town. If you join one of these groups, you’ll meet lots of new people and feel good about giving back to your local community.

20.   Volunteer to be part of a committee at work or at your child’s school

If you sometimes feel shy when in large groups, consider becoming a committee member. This will give you a smaller group from which to select people to get to know better.

21.   Join an online social networking site or forum

Although you might not meet others in person by using the site, you can get to know them online. Join a site that offers ways to connect with others who share your same interests. A good one to check out for local events is MeetUp.com

22.   Wherever you go, be open to meeting new people

With a smile on your face and a feeling of openness toward others, it’ll be clear to them that you want to connect. Plus, people are more open to others that appear happy and seem approachable.

23.   Go to a luncheon seminar to discuss financial issues

Many brokerage firms and banks hold seminars to disseminate information regarding finances. You can circulate he crowd there to meet new people

24.   Attend your local festivals

Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll have a lot of fun doing it. In many places, music, craft, and book festivals are held throughout the year.

25.   Avail yourself of all your community has to offer

The more you’re out in public the more likely it is that you’ll meet new people. If you get to know your own community well, you’ll encounter many new folks.

Show up. Be intentional. Stay curious. Developing deep and meaningful connections takes time so don’t rush in. It’ll come but it also takes work…we need each other.

Cheering You On,