You are often cut off from the water cooler conversations and random interactions that you would normally have in an office setting. And while video calls and Slack messages can help to some extent, they can never fully replace in-person interactions. The general friendliness and hospitality of your local community may surprise you.
Concerts tend to be difficult places to meet new people because it’s hard to talk over the music and make a connection. Where the complete opposite experience comes to life is Sofar Sounds. They put on intimate concerts (currently they hosts shows in over 325 cities worldwide) in unique spaces like people’s homes, apartments, or small businesses. Music lovers unite here, listening to lesser-known, usually local bands and meeting new people. Rocking up to the show alone isn’t uncommon either, and you’re sure to find a common ground when chatting with others around you in between sets.
How I Make Friends in a New City: Join a Club or a Team
The clubs organize monthly meetings where you discuss that month’s book and talk about their favorite parts. In Knoxville, there is a group called New2Knox, and their purpose is to bring people together to experience all that Knoxville has to offer. They know that making friends as an adult is hard, so they help you make friends by putting together events on a regular basis.
Alcohol tours and tastings are fun, easy-going events that are built around socializing. I put in “Food Groups ‘My City’” and got eight events happening in the next week. One cousin can connect you to their friends, and they’ll connect you to their friends. Say please and thank you while shopping around town, leave good tips at coffee shops and restaurants, and respond kindly if someone accidentally bumps into you.
Walk A Dog (Even If You Don’t Have One)
“When it comes to friendships, having close friends is one of the best things we can do for our health and wellbeing,” says Franco. “But even having brief interactions with people in general benefits us. Find people to hang out with in the meantime.” It can make you feel like part of a community “to have those faces in your neighbourhood that recognise you and remember you,” says Richardson. Instead, I’ve found it easier to meet people when doing things e.g. painting, sports or whatever you are into, so there is a blend between talking and doing something together. I find that my best friendships are built on experiences we have together, not just talking a lot.
As a social skills coach, I’ve worked with a lot of engineers, programmers, and developers in the past. And then, ask them if they know anyone worth meeting up with where you’re currently at. Not only do I like going to those venues myself, I also know that my kind of people all spend time there. To give you an example how to make friends when you work from home from my own life, I wanted to connect with other creative, fit, and ambitious individuals. The best way to learn how to put yourself out there is to identify what kind of people you want to connect with first. That’s why you have to be more intentional with your approach to figuring out how to meet like-minded friends.
Join a sports league (beer or competitive) or a billiards/bowling league
Find cycling or walking trails, and talk to other cyclists or walkers. Play basketball in the park and maybe ask to join a pickup game. Join a gym, yoga studio, or CrossFit class and strike up a conversation with others. Engage in whatever activities you enjoy and make conversation with other members.
- “Your old camp friend, former roommate, or cousin may have a great friend to connect you to in the area,” she says.
- Local coffee shops provide a great opportunity to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
- You just have to decide to make the first move and start conversations with strangers.
- If you live in a city that has hiking trails, you’re sure to find a few hiking groups.
