The Internet can be a valuable resource for persons who are introverted, shy or do not have time to go out and meet local friends. When you look for new local friends online, the same social rules apply as in real life. Begin by introducing yourself, be polite and strike up conversations by asking questions and extending compliments. Once you develop a rapport with your new local friends online, continue to show good etiquette by returning their emails and instant messages in a timely manner.
Step 1
Create social networking profiles that list your location. Social networking sites are good starting points when you are looking for new local friends online. When you set up your profile, list your city and state so that other people who are looking for local friends online can find you.
Step 2
Search your friends' social networking profiles. Gretchen Rubin, author of the "New York Times" bestseller, "The Happiness Project," explains that "friends of friends" is a good starting point when you are looking for new social contacts. Once you join social networking sites, visit the profiles of your current friends, and look for people on their friend lists who live in your city and share your interests.
Step 3
Enroll in an online college course. To branch out from your current social circle, contact your local college to see if it offers online courses. Many of these classes feature online discussion boards that allow you to socialize with your classmates. From there, you can set up in-person study dates and group outings.
Step 4
Learn about your online friends before meeting them. Once you develop potential new friends online, spend time getting to know them before you socialize with them offline. The University of Oklahoma Department of Public Safety suggests that you try to verify your online friends' information before meeting with them in person. Try talking to mutual friends and conduct an online search using their names, for example.
Step 5
Participate in meet-ups. If you are a member of an active blogging site, message board or online fan club, set up an in-person group meet-up. Meeting online friends as a group can protect you from unsafe or awkward situations while helping you expand your local social circle.
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