There are many ways to make friends this year, and I’ll admit it’s a constant struggle for me to get out there and make the effort, being an introvert and all.
If you’re finding yourself in need of a friend in 2019, here are some ways that really helped me connect with people, both locally and around the world:
Meetup.com.
Join a local group with people interested in similar activities and interests. I took part in a creative writing group and it helped me validate my ideas. You can find all types of groups, from hiking to business networking. Just reach out and see what interests you.
Coffee shops.
Usually reserved for dating locations, there’s no reason why you can’t strike up a conversation with anyone here. Grab a laptop, work at a table and pay attention if there are people around you who you’d like to get to know.
Podcast shows.
If you are a guest on a podcast, or you run a podcast of your own, you can make friends by having long-form conversations with people. Show a genuine interest in their topic and they will likely stay in touch with you.
Networking events.
If you’re comfortable getting out and interacting face-to-face, there is no substitute for offline networking. I like to attend local events that are usually posted via EventBrite or a community post.
Bumble.
I am in the online dating game right now, but what I notice with the apps is a date can turn into a natural friendship. Try Bumble. It’s a dating app that helps you connect with anyone. The woman has to initiate the first conversation, as a unique twist.
LinkedIn.
With professional networking on LinkedIn, you can message anyone and start a conversation with them. This helps if you would like to connect with others globally. If you would like to foster a professional relationship, LinkedIn is the most popular social media tool.
Email.
You can go direct and just email people you’d like to get to know. With Google search, it’s easy to connect with anyone by email these days.
Text message.
Texting is still the way to communicate and foster friendships with people. If you have someone’s phone number, you can connect anytime for a conversation.
In the end, there are hundreds of ways to find new friends, and these few tips should get you started on the right foot. Just be yourself and enjoy connecting with new people. Have fun!