If you have trouble meeting friends, you're not alone. Online social networks, clubs and adult sports leagues are designed for people who are always on the lookout to make a connection. If you're ready to get out there and make good friends, remember to not judge others too quickly. Anxiety is a common feeling to have when meeting new people. Make a good first impression by smiling, making eye contact and being friendly.
Step 1
Join a sports league. Many companies sponsor intramural softball teams in the spring and indoor sports such as bowling in the winter. There are also dart leagues organized in bars and games such as horseshoes you can find out about through your local Parks and Recreation Department. The benefit of being in a league is that you will see the same people over the course of several weeks during the league's season.
Step 2
Volunteer your time. Altruistic people who help others meet new people and make great friends, according to HelpGuide.org. You can participate in fulfilling activities with others who share your interests. Volunteering is also a great way for shy people to develop social skills. You can work in a soup kitchen sponsored by a church group, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and build homes for needy folks or donate a few hours at your local animal shelter.
Step 3
Join a club on Meetup.com. Meetup has 79,000 groups in 45,000 cities, according to its website. There are about 250,000 monthly meet-ups each month, with topics ranging from happy-hour get-togethers, book clubs and gourmet dinner groups.
Step 4
Take a class. Any kind of class opens the opportunity to exchange phone numbers with classmates and organize study groups. You can also register for a class with more social opportunities. An art class involves showing your work and having group criticism, which helps you get to know your classmates better. A jewelry-making or pottery class will require that you spend time in the studio outside of class hours, giving you an opportunity to get to know classmates.
Step 5
Organize a club doing something you enjoy. Start a running or hiking club. Post an ad on Craigslist, and hang signs in coffee shops and laundromats.
Tips and Warnings
- Steer clear of conversations that could get heated, including politics and religion. Remember someone's name by repeating it after she introduces herself or thinking of a famous person who has that same name.
- Never give out personal information if you don't feel comfortable with someone. If someone asks for your phone number, offer your email address or ask for his number instead. If you meet someone in a chat room, remember that you have no way of knowing if he is who he claims to be.
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