Friendship 101
Making friends doesn't have to include bars or parties. If you enjoy quieter times, hobbies, or just being part of a community, there are lots of ways to do it without drinking. In this article, we're going to cover 20 ways you can make friends your way.
1. Find a Hobby
Interest or hobby groups are an excellent way to meet people with whom you share a common interest. Sports, art, gaming, cooking, and hiking groups are just a few of the many options to choose from. Because you and other members of the group have something in common, it will be much easier to break the ice and begin a conversation.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to help you meet people. Helping other people will create opportunities for you to socialize and meet people. You can find people with similar interests and similar views through volunteering.
3. Sober Events
Coffee shops, book clubs, or fitness classes are great sober alternatives to meet new people. You can also attend festivals, trivia nights, or local workshops to socialize without drinking. These environments create a relaxed setting where you can easily strike up conversations and form connections based on shared interests and experiences.
4. Be Approachable
When you are open and approachable, it is much easier for others to be around you. Simple things like smiling, asking questions, and showing interest in another person's life can ignite a connection. These little things can make a welcoming environment for new friendships to blossom naturally.
5. Start Conversations
Initiating conversation is one of the most effective ways to start new friendships. Sometimes all it takes is a greeting or a comment about your environment to spark a meaningful conversation. When you show interest and actively listen, you open the door for potential friendships to blossom.
6. Game Board Nights
Board game nights are great for social gatherings in a comfortable setting. Games are a good way to have fun with laughter and teamwork and also create friendly competition between the group. As these experiences become more frequent, social connections can deepen to form friendships.
7. Plan Outings
Plan dates to the movies, zoo, or local attractions. By planning dates and going to events together, it will allow you to create memories with potential friends. Doing activities together can also lead to more and better conversations with them.
8. Explore Online Communities
Seeking out internet forums such as Discord servers, Reddit groups, or Facebook pages can help you find people with similar interests. Engaging in discussions and activities online can lead to meaningful conversations and support. These connections can sometimes even develop into real-life friendships outside of the online space.
Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash
9. Attend Workshops
Attending a class or workshop of some kind, whether it's cooking, language, dance, or fitness, is another way to find a consistent place to meet new people. It's always easier to find common ground when you are in a learning environment. By going to the same place regularly, you will be able to build upon these connections over time, and you may even make some lasting friendships.
10. Take Up Sports
A good way to meet people with similar interests is to take up a sport or fitness activity. Joining a running club, martial arts class, cycling group, or yoga studio is an excellent opportunity to make new friends. Pick-up games at a park are also an easy way to meet people in a non-competitive environment.
11. Get Dancing
Take a dance or theater class or join a performance group of any kind, from salsa to improv. Performing arts groups and communities tend to be extremely welcoming, social, and collaborative. You'll make friends just from being in those situations.
12. Get Gaming
Attending events such as video game tournaments, game cafes, or tabletop role-playing groups is a good way to meet like-minded people. Shared games make for easy conversation topics and teamwork. With time, these social connections can turn into long-lasting friendships.
13. Work With Animals
Volunteering at animal shelters or rescue organizations is another effective way to meet people who share your love for animals. You will find opportunities to interact with like-minded people while working together to care for animals. This common goal and shared experiences can lay the foundation for building a friendship based on compassion and shared values.
14. Visit Cafes
Visiting coffee shops or cafés that have a friendly environment is one way of meeting people in a more casual way. Once you regularly see the same people there, it will be easier for you to initiate a conversation and eventually build a friendship. Plus, lots of people go to cafes specifically to bump into people.
15. Attend Conventions
Conventions, expos, and trade shows are another good place to meet new people. Comic-cons, gaming conventions, or anime cons are full of people with your same interests. At these conventions, people are in a friendly and open mood, and conversation flows easily.
16. Meditation Groups
Meditation or mindfulness groups, classes, or retreats can be a very calming and inviting way to meet new people. Being in the same group creates a common understanding and makes it easier to share and have thoughtful conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
17. Outdoor Adventures
If you love to be outside, then you'll probably meet people who love to do the same. Go hiking, camping, or to the beach with people. Doing these activities will make it so you're both interacting with nature and each other while having to accomplish tasks and talk to one another.
18. Facebook Groups
Add people to Facebook groups based on your interests. For example, if you and a few of your Facebook friends love photography, start posting photos and talking in a Facebook group about it. Many long-term friendships have started from Facebook connections like this.
19. Birdwatching
Birding or nature photography clubs are great places to start. They are an excellent and rather quiet way to meet new people who share a similar love for the great outdoors. While your focus will be on the task at hand, you will still find opportunities to converse with people and gradually form friendships.
20. Open Mics
Poetry slams or open mic nights are another way to go. This is a great way to meet people who are going to be supportive and creative. Sharing a performance or simply listening to a performance also makes it easy to have conversation.
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