10 Ways to Make New Friends
In some ways in our hyperconnected world we are more isolated than ever. We have lots of surface interactions but few real connections. I'm not even going to try to differentiate between "real" friends and other kinds. It all starts with making a connection. You don't have to be really outgoing to make new connections which can lead to new friends. A lot of these ideas have more to do with consistently showing up than with any sort of skill set. For instance, don't just go to a bar; go there regularly so that others who go there regularly start recognizing you. Connections depend on shared interest and proximity. While you can make new friends online, it's easiest in person. In any off these situations, after you start recognizing people it becomes easy to start up a conversation. Conversation starters? That's another list.
1. Hang out at a coffee shop.
The best one will be a locally-owned independent coffee place where other people may hang out for hours. You'll start to recognize the regulars, and they'll start to recognize you.
2. Go to the library regularly.
3. Get a box at a UPS store.
You'll naturally check it often. You'll start seeing regulars there, although the interactions will be quick.
4. Go to a fun recreation place, like an axe-throwing place.
Yes, that's right. Axe-throwing. Go somewhere off the beaten path and you'll find people with a common interest. You'll soon figure out who the regulars are.
5. Take an adult education class.
Ideally choose one that will meet several times over a period of weeks. That allows time for connections. Bonus: you can strike up conversations during breaks.
6. Go to a book store regularly.
Book lovers automatically share an interest.
7. Go to a networking event and be a connector.
A lot of people at such things think they're just there to collect business cards and to hand them out. If you help people break the ice and introduce them to each other, you become highly valuable and make solid connections yourself.
8. Attend Chamber of Commerce events.
This is sort of like the networking event, but you have shared interests in locality as well as business.
9. Eat at a hometown restaurant.
Listen for the folks that the wait staff obviously know.
10. Go to a neighborhood bar.
It is likely that they already have a lot of connections with each other, and so will be cliqueish and insular to begin with. Stay low-key and go often enough that, again, they start recognizing you. The emphasis is more on "neighborhood" than "bar." Try to choose one with a fairly open floor plan vs. one with lots of booths like mini-corrals.
No comments.