Lockdown has meant that many people have been isolated from society. And while spending time by yourself is important, it is just as important to spend time with other people. Even introverts will find that they feel down if they go too long without any form of social interaction.
While we all think that we will always stay friends with our high school friends, or that we will date the same person forever, that’s unfortunately not always true.
People drift apart, and while you can be upset about it, you shouldn’t cut yourself off from society because you’ve lost a friend or broken up with your partner. Instead, you should focus on meeting new people.
If you’re not sure how to do this, keep reading. We’ll be discussing some ways that you can meet new people, whether you’re looking for a friendship or a relationship.
Reconnect with old friends
We know what you’re thinking . . . reconnecting with old friends means you’re not meeting new people, but rather people that you already know.
However, it’s important to remember that your old friends likely have an entirely new circle of friends, so by reaching out to someone you used to know, you will by default also get to know all of their new friends.
It can be hard to find someone if you’ve lost contact with them and they’ve moved. Luckily, websites like Instant Checkmate make it easier for you to reconnect with people from your past.
Try online dating
There used to be a stigma surrounding online dating, but nowadays most people would agree that it is the easiest and fastest way to meet someone and that there is no shame in doing online dating.
No matter what you’re looking to get out of online dating, it’s a valid option. Some people just want something casual, while others will want a deeper connection, so be sure to check that you and your online date are on the same page.
You can also meet friends on various apps, so online dating doesn’t have to be solely for romantic relationships. Just be sure to keep safe when online dating.
Ask someone to set you up
If you feel like you’ve been searching high and low for that special someone, it may just be the case that you’re not looking in the right places. Not to mention that constantly being on the search for a romantic partner can be draining.
Instead, ask someone close to you to set you up on a blind date with someone. Be sure to ask someone who knows you well, since they are more likely to find someone compatible with you. You can also follow these first date tips if you’re nervous about going on a date with someone you haven’t met before.
Try new activities
Most people have a few hobbies that they do regularly, but this often means that you will see the same handful of people over and over.
If you’re looking to meet new people, you should try doing a new hobby. Many people avoid trying new things because they are scared that they won’t know what to do or that they will make a fool of themselves.
But the truth is that hobbies should be fun, and by not trying new things, you are maybe missing out on a great new hobby as well as new friends. Give it a shot – if you don’t like it, you don’t need to do it again.
Join a gym
Trust us, a gym is a great way to meet people. Plus, getting healthy is always a good thing. Gyms are social hubs, and it will be easy to talk to people when you’re in the gym.
This is because there is always something to talk about – you can ask someone for help, or ask them about their workout routine. Not to mention the fact that most people don’t look their best when they are exercising, so there’s no pressure to look good.
If you don’t want to join a gym despite the many reasons for doing so, consider joining a running club, a yoga class in the park, or any other form of physical activity that you can do with other people.
Go out more
It goes without saying that if you are at home all the time, it will be very hard to meet new people unless you take the online route.
And while online dating is a valid option, as mentioned, many people still prefer to meet people organically. So, to meet new people, it makes sense that you should go out more.
This way, you will likely meet new people without even trying. Perhaps you start chatting to someone while waiting in line to get your coffee, or you hit it off with the waiter at a new restaurant – you never know when someone amazing will cross your path.
Volunteer
Another surefire way to meet new people is to volunteer. Once again, you’re killing two birds with one stone by doing so; you’re doing some good in the world, and you’re putting yourself out there socially.
Be sure to volunteer somewhere you will enjoy. It’s a good idea to consider your passions in life and try to volunteer somewhere that aligns with that.
For example, if you love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter. This way, you will meet people who have similar values as you. For more volunteering ideas, click here.
Get to know your coworkers
It’s amazing to think about the fact that we often spend a big part of our day with our coworkers, and yet we don’t really know them.
Try seeing your coworkers socially at least once. This can be something as simple as coffee during your lunch break, or after-work drinks. By getting to know your coworkers on a social level, you will likely be growing your social group, because you may get introduced to their friends as well and vice versa.
If you want to get romantically involved with a coworker, be sure to read up on the company policy surrounding that.