Hey Everyone!

So I am completely new to an area and don't really know many people.  I know some people through work, but haven't got a chance to really talk with them outside of work.  I also tend to be very bad with meeting new people.  I am definitely more of an introvert and not that great at knowing what to say in an effort to get conversations started or keep it going.  I do always enjoy meeting new people and making new friends, I am just not the greatest at it.  School always used to be available to meet new people, but now I have recently graduated college and have started a job in an entirely new area.

I was curious if anyone knows of good ways to meet people, either in general or those with similar interests.  Do you have something that worked for you or someone you know?  Any tips to help me out to meet new people or good ways to talk and start/keep conversations going?

When I was younger I used to just meet people by hanging out with similar aged people at work, or at friends houses.

Nowadays I hear that people meet a lot of new people by participating in "Meetup" groups for subjects they are interested in. Like do a meetup group close to you for a group that likes hiking, or watching movies, etc - whatever you are interested in. Easier to make friends with people that like similar things as you.

Your profile says you are 22; are you in college? If so it usually is an excellent way to meet new people. In addition to meetup, there are also Facebook groups which can form in your area according to specific interests. A cousin of mine, for example, joined a groups of local moms from her neighborhood.

Well, one way to meet new people it to volunteer somewhere, locally speaking. I too, am also, an introvert in real life, so I get where you're coming at. The best advice I have for you is put yourself out there, even if it's scary and you might get hurt. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a tough, but if I could do it, so can you. I hope this helps you and always give it your best! 

Thanks for all of the advice everyone!

Jordanv78 I have attempted to find some Meetup groups near me, but sadly there really aren't any around.  Or none that really cover my interests at least.

janus I actually recently graduated from college, so that is why I am asking for the advice.  I have done some looking on Facebook now and have found a couple groups that catch my interest and that I am looking into now.

Kuti_Kat Thanks for the words of encouragement!  I have been looking for places to volunteer, but have been unsuccessful as of yet.  I plan to continue looking though.  I will also work on stepping out of my comfort zone.  It has never been my strong suit, but I will do my best!

Go bar hopping

You can go and join your co-worker's after-work activities. Like, if your team leader invites the group for a dinner, or just a simple karaoke time during friday nights. If you won't put the effort into joining them outside of work, you'll forever be stuck with the laber "co-worker" and nothing more. You can also greet people who were absent due to illness (or any other important stuff), ask them how are they doing and if they're ready to resume work. Invite them to have lunch with the other workers (or at least your team) as a sort of "welcome back" party. If you know someone who has a baby child or a dog and you saw the picture on their table, ask about the age, gender, happy moments etc. and don't forget to praise the subject (Aw how cute) that is if you really think they're cute. If not, just keep it to yourself and just hear your co-worker out. Stuff like that. If you show genuine concern and interest about people, they'll respond back positively.

I think it's also faaar healthier for you to find friends inside your working circle first before branching out and meeting new people. Why? Because it's better to be surrounded with friends on a daily basis than to feel uneasy at work and craving for Saturdays to come to go out and meet those social groups miles (or km) away, assuming the meeting days are on Saturdays.

You've just started a job and it's the perfect time to socialize with your co-workers! Good luck! If we're talking about an office job, they are usually kind and welcoming to new recruits. I once took an internship as a Software Developer and they've been all kind and supportive to me. I was the only one who passed during the application process therefore making me the only intern in the team, so being my usual introvert self, I felt all nervous and afraid about my co-worker's reaction and whatnot, until I've met them and worked with them, lol. Up until today, they still invite me out for lunch and ask me to come to the office whenever there are festivities despite me already finishing my internship a long time ago.

Go bar hopping or party. Nothing beats parting, meeting people drunk.



Joking above, somewhat. To me good way to meet up someone is usually going out. Walk in the park, shopping, little gathering, etc. I'm quite a social person so just comes naturally when I talk to someone and start a conversation about the most random things to food or jobs, even once about toenails...



Just have to find some common ground to you and the person or people and gotta be calm and go with the flow.

Edit: I didn't know the post before me also said bar hopping, wow.

Thank you everyone for the advice! I have started to meet new people and get to know more people with the help of your advice.  I am doing better in the new area and am not quite so lonely anymore.  So once again, thank you very much!

Honestly I either went to school or to church to meet people. Other than that I rarely met new people. In both cases I was meeting people who were generally similar to me. At either location we were either in similar stages of life or had very similar beliefs and values as I do.

Those were easily the 2 bests places for me. After that I found the best way was to go with a friend to a place they hung out with other friends that you didn't know. Sort of invite yourself along to something they are doing in order to meet new people who are friends your someone you are friends with.

Anyway, I hope things continue to get better for you. Nothing is worse than feeling like you don't fit in or belong.

Here's a good one:
Join a fandom!

Just make sure you don't befriend trolls and crazy cosplayers...

We can't help you with the conversation part.  That's going to be on you practicing and learning how to talk to people face to face.

As for meeting people, I would start at the library.  Find out what social groups are in the area.  Find out where you can volunteer.  Animal shelters and hospitals are great places to spend time and meet really nice people who'll accept you and help you learn to socialize.

Or if you jump in on groups you might find you like something you never knew you did.  Chess groups, running groups, book clubs, arts and crafts groups are all good places to meet new people.  They love to see someone who has no idea what's going on so they can the opportunity to teach something.

Listening and asking questions is the best way to practice conversation.  Listen to how other people speak and take your time with answers.  Don't interrupt.  Do that and things will go well.

Good luck!

A good way I know of is to talk about TV shows, just mention TB and see what happens from there. Back in September, I was in English and we were talking about a science book and some kid I never even noticed until then compared the book to Rick and Morty and we have been friends ever since.