I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard anyone say that meeting new people is easy. We live in a busy world, and it can be hard to find the time for socializing. I mean, the last time I tried to go out and make new friends, I couldn’t even find the right place to start.
But after going through a few (a lot!) trials and errors, I’ve found 10 great ways to meet someone new. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a potential partner or just friends, these have worked for me and will definitely work for you.
1. Dating Sites & Apps
I know what you’re thinking – it’s so predictable and cliche at this point. But here’s the thing: these sites are so popular because they work. By signing up and answering questions about yourself, you can give potential matches a good idea of who you are and what interests you have in common.
Online dating is designed to make it easy to find someone you could potentially be compatible with. And because of the number of people on the app, you’re likely to find someone who fits your criteria. We don’t know what you like, but here’s what we recommend:
Bumble
As a woman, I can totally understand what it feels like to be on a dating site and getting bombarded by creepy messages from skeevy men. That’s why I love Bumble. It was created for women to take control of the conversation. When you match with someone on Bumble, the woman is the one who needs to make the first move – which means fewer weird messages from guys and more chances of meeting someone interesting and compatible.
It also has three features you can choose from – Date, Bizz, and BFF. So no matter what kind of connection you’re looking for – whether it’s platonic or romantic – Bumble has got you covered. You can even purchase premium features that help you get noticed and stand out from the crowd.
Tinder
I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t heard of Tinder. It’s easily one of the most popular dating apps out there, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a great way to meet someone new. With millions of people around the world using the app, you’re sure to find someone who has similar interests and lifestyles as you do.
Even though Tinder has a reputation for being more of a hookup app, you can also use it to meet people for more meaningful personal connections. Just make sure to be clear about what you’re looking for in your profile – that way, potential matches will know whether they should swipe right or left.
MyLocalFlirtMatches
If you’re in the UK, this one’s for you. MyLocalFlirtMatches is one of the newest dating sites and apps on the market, and it’s designed specifically for people who are looking to meet someone in their local area.
The app has a great user interface that makes it easy to find someone who you could potentially have chemistry with. So if you’re in the UK and looking for someone new to talk to, MyLocalFlirtMatches is worth a try.
2. Bars and Clubs
It’s old school, but it’s still one of the best places to meet new people. It doesn’t take a dating coach to tell you that bars and clubs are filled with people who are looking for a good time, and you can easily build new connections.
Another great thing about bars and clubs is that it’s easy to start conversations with people. Just approach someone you find attractive and ask them what they’re drinking, or strike up a conversation about the music playing. As long as you’re polite, friendly, and confident, you can make a great first impression and potentially find someone new.
3. Through a Hobby
Shared interests are essential when looking for someone new, and what better way to find like-minded people than in your comfort zone? Whether it’s painting, hiking, photography, or anything else you love doing – there are bound to be people around with the same passion.
You can try going to a meetup or class related to your hobby. And even if you don’t get to meet friends or a romantic partner right away, you’ll still have a great time and improve your skills.
4. Friends & Family
Don’t forget about the people who already know you best – your friends and family. They can be great resources for meeting someone new, especially if they have mutual friends or acquaintances they think you could hit it off with.
May it be your mom’s friend from work or your best friend’s cousin, you never know who you could spend time with. They also may have insight into what type of person would be compatible with you and can even introduce you to someone if it seems like a good fit.
But hey, don’t be weird about it. I’ve been on enough double dates to know that it can be a great way to make new friends, but it can also turn into a very awkward night.
5. Adult Classes / Group Lessons
You’re never too old to learn something new, right? For me, adult classes have been an amazing way to meet new people. It’s a great way to develop skills in something you already love or try out something completely different. I took a dance class and got myself a new social circle! Crazy!
You can choose from a variety of classes and group lessons, like cooking, photography, yoga, foreign language classes and so much more. The whole starting a conversation thing is taken care of since you’re all there to learn the same thing, and if you get along, it’s even easier to stay in touch after the class ends.
6. Events from Meetup.com
Do you know about Meetup.com? It’s a great website that connects people with similar interests and lets them organize events in their area. From music festivals to trips to the local museum and walks at the dog park – there’s something for everyone!
It’s easy to browse through the various events and see if there are any you’re interested in attending. You can even find a speed dating event if you’re lucky! I’ve heard stories from real people about how they found their perfect match through Meetup.com!
7. The Gym
I got to be honest, I’m not a fan of the gym. But I’ve noticed a lot of interesting people around in the few times I went there. It’s a great place to be making friends who share the same commitment and passion for living a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t be fooled – it’s not just bodybuilders and gym rats. Some people just go to the gym because they enjoy it or they take up Zumba or yoga classes. There are a lot of different people and personalities in the gym. For example, I met a few people who shared a passion for running and we started training together, which was great.
So don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone – you never know where it might lead!
8. Solo Traveling or Traveling With A Friend
You’ve seen those movies where someone travels the world, meets a mysterious stranger, and then lives happily ever after? Well, believe it or not, it happens in real life, too.
Solo traveling is a great way to explore the world and meet new people. You never know who you’ll end up talking to on public transportation or in your hotel room, and if you’re lucky, it could be a person that changes your life.
If you’re not comfortable with traveling alone, you can always travel with a friend. It’s still an amazing experience and you’ll have someone to rely on if something goes wrong. There are usually plenty of opportunities to meet new people while sightseeing or exploring the local culture.
So go ahead and book that plane ticket – the world is waiting for you!
9. Social Media
We live in the digital age, so why not use it to meet someone new? Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are great ways to start conversations with people you wouldn’t have met any other way.
You can search for hashtags related to your interests and be Facebook friends with people who post content that you find interesting. For me, TikTok is a fun way to connect with people from all over the world – you can send each other challenges and messages, or even just comment on each other’s posts to start a conversation.
10. Work
Just because you work doesn’t mean you can’t make friends and meaningful connections. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people in the workplace, especially if you take part in team-building activities or group projects.
I met some of my closest friends through work, and it’s a great way to expand your network. It’s a bonus if you find someone who shares your hobbies and interests – so you can bond over them during lunch or coffee breaks.
Of course, there might be rules or guidelines about fraternization in the workplace, so make sure to check with your HR department first.
Meeting someone new can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset and a few creative ideas, you can find interesting people in all sorts of places.
As with anything else in life, having the right attitude is key when meeting someone new. Be positive and open-minded – take note of your surroundings, be friendly and have fun. I hope these tips help you find your perfect match!
