This article was co-authored by Christina Jay, NLP and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Christina Jay is a Matchmaker and Certified Life Coach based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Christina is the founder of Preferred Match (preferredmatch.ca), her matchmaking service that finds love for successful and elite individuals. She has over 10 years of coaching experience, earned her NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) certification through NLP Canada Training, and has a BA in Business Administration from Brock University.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Maybe you're looking to expand your social circle, or you've recently started going to a new school and you don’t know anybody yet. Regardless of the reason, it helps to know where and how you can meet new people. We know it can be scary to introduce yourself to strangers, but making friends will totally get easier the more you try. For tips on meeting new people, read on and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Ways to Meet New People
- Take a class to meet people with similar interests.
- Pursue a new social hobby to make socializing easier.
- Hit the gym, take fitness classes, or join a sports team.
- Join more local events at venues or museums.
- Volunteer to meet like-minded individuals.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I meet people if I don't go to any clubs, etc.?Community AnswerIn order to meet people, you've got to get out there. Do things you enjoy; find groups that appeal to your interest on sites like Meetup.com, find local volunteer opportunities for a cause that has personal meaning to you, take community education classes. Go to concerts, do outdoor activities you like, and basically be places where others will be doing things that you enjoy doing.
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QuestionWhat if I'm super shy and nobody will talk to me?Community AnswerGo talk to them! Chances are they've noticed you and just don't know how to approach you either.
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QuestionMy friend wants to set me up on a blind date. Any advice?Community AnswerIt's only a date and nothing will come out of it if you don't want anything to. Just try and have fun and enjoy a nice time meeting someone new. Find common interests and be yourself.
Video
Tips
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Keep putting yourself out there! If you do, you'll meet new people and make friends naturally.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Try not to trust someone you've just met completely. It's okay to be a little wary but remain open. Trust is something that is built overtime.
- Try to avoid looking or acting desperate. Just be yourself and the right people will come.
References
- ↑ https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/how-to-make-friends-in-college
- ↑ https://online.kettering.edu/news/why-hobbies-are-important
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-with-a-friend
- ↑ https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/03/for-a-lot-of-american-teens-religion-is-a-regular-part-of-the-public-school-day/
- ↑ https://www.algonquincollege.com/achub/2019/06/10-tips-making-friends/
- ↑ https://www.msmc.edu/knight-life-blog/5-ways-to-make-friends-in-college/
- ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/how-to-make-friends-online/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/need-help-to-start-dating/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-mind/202009/sharing-vulnerability-secret-closer-friendships
- ↑ https://www.kidscape.org.uk/advice/advice-for-young-people/friendships-and-frenemies/how-to-make-new-friends/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/02/a-simple-compliment-can-make-a-big-difference
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981
About This Article
When meeting new people, start off slow and talk about easy topics, like your favorite music or where you went to college. To appear confident, stand tall and maintain eye contact, which will show people that you like yourself and are a person who is worth talking to. If you run into an awkward silence with a new person, do your best to resist oversharing personal details and just try to find some common ground to bond over, like the weather. Remember to maintain a positive attitude and smile and laugh when something is funny. To learn how to respect boundaries when meeting new people, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"It was a total success! Just remember that not all people want to be your friend."