5 Ways to Meet New People When You’re Single and Looking for Friends

Making new friends as an adult can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re no longer in school or work in an environment where socializing is limited. But being single doesn’t mean being alone—friendships are just as valuable as romantic relationships, and building a strong social circle can bring just as much joy and fulfillment.

The key to meeting new people is being proactive, open-minded, and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’ve moved to a new city, lost touch with old friends, or simply want to expand your social life, here are five ways to connect with like-minded people and build meaningful friendships.

1. Join Local Clubs or Hobby Groups – Find People Who Share Your Interests

One of the easiest ways to meet new friends is through shared interests. Whether you’re passionate about fitness, books, hiking, or gaming, there are groups out there full of people who love the same things you do.

Where to Find Groups:

• Community Centers – Many cities have groups for sports, art, or social activities.
• Local Coffee Shops & Bookstores – Look for flyers or community boards with meet-up announcements.
• Gyms & Fitness Classes – Join a running club, yoga studio, or group workout class.
• Volunteer Organizations – Giving back to the community connects you with kind and like-minded people.

Why It Works:

• You’ll naturally bond over mutual interests.
• The setting makes conversations easier and less forced.
• You’ll have a consistent group of people to see regularly.

If you’re unsure where to start, think about what genuinely excites you and find a group centered around that.

2. Attend Networking Events – Professional and Social Circles Often Overlap

Networking events aren’t just for job opportunities—they’re a great way to meet people with similar ambitions, interests, and values. Many friendships form naturally through professional and social networking events because they bring together individuals who are eager to connect.

Where to Find Networking Events:

• Industry meet-ups & conferences related to your career or interests.
• Local business or entrepreneur groups for those interested in professional growth.
• Social networking events like happy hours, mixers, and alumni gatherings.
• Meetup.com or Eventbrite for business and creative networking opportunities.

Why It Works:

• It’s a low-pressure way to meet people while discussing mutual interests.
• Conversations flow naturally, making it easier to build connections.
• Many networking events have social elements, like coffee meetups or casual gatherings.

Even if you’re not looking to make professional connections, these events can introduce you to potential friends who share your mindset and ambitions.

3. Take a Class – Learn Something New and Meet Like-Minded People

Taking a class is one of the most fun and productive ways to meet people while expanding your skills. Whether it’s an art workshop, dance class, or cooking course, you’ll be surrounded by people with shared enthusiasm for learning something new.

Types of Classes to Consider:

• Fitness & Dance – Try boxing, yoga, salsa, or Pilates.
• Art & Creativity – Painting, pottery, photography, or acting classes.
• Cooking & Baking – A great way to bond over shared experiences.
• Language Classes – Learn a new language while meeting people who have the same goal.

Why It Works:

• You’ll see the same people consistently, making it easier to build connections.
• Working on a shared activity reduces awkwardness and gives you something to talk about.
• You can suggest continuing the activity together outside of class, like cooking dinner after a cooking class or grabbing a coffee after a language lesson.

Taking a class keeps your mind engaged while naturally expanding your social circle.

4. Use Friend-Making Apps – Connect with People Who Are Also Looking for Friends

Just like dating apps help people find relationships, there are apps designed specifically for making new friendships. These apps allow you to connect with people who are also actively looking for friends, making it easier to start conversations and plan meet-ups.

Best Apps for Making Friends:

• Bumble BFF – Designed for people looking for friendships rather than dating.
• Meetup – Focused on finding groups and activities in your local area.
• Facebook Groups – Many communities have groups for newcomers, hobbyists, and social gatherings.
• Nextdoor – Connects neighbors and helps build community relationships.
• Patook – A friendship app that matches people based on shared interests.

Why It Works:

• Everyone on the app is open to meeting new people.
• It takes away the awkwardness of approaching people in person.
• You can find friends who align with your lifestyle and interests.

Using friend-making apps is especially helpful if you’ve moved to a new city and don’t have an established social circle yet.

5. Say Yes More Often – Accept Invitations, Even If You’re Unsure

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to meet new people is to say yes to opportunities—even when you feel unsure. Often, new friendships start in unexpected places, but you won’t experience them unless you’re willing to put yourself out there.

Ways to Say Yes More Often:

• Accept invitations to social events, dinner parties, or casual hangouts.
• Try an activity outside your comfort zone, like karaoke or hiking.
• Say yes to after-work gatherings, even if you usually prefer staying home.
• Join a friend of a friend’s outing—you might meet people who become part of your circle.

Why It Works:

• It helps you break out of routines that may limit your social life.
• You never know where or how you’ll meet a great new friend.
• It builds confidence and encourages an open-minded approach to socializing.

If you want to expand your social circle, the best thing you can do is be available and willing to engage in new experiences.

Final Thoughts: Friendships Matter Just as Much as Romantic Relationships

Being single doesn’t mean being lonely, and building strong friendships is just as important as finding a romantic partner. A fulfilling social life is built on meaningful connections, shared experiences, and stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people.

To summarize, the best ways to meet new friends are:

1. Join local clubs or hobby groups to meet people with shared interests.
2. Attend networking events to connect with people professionally and socially.
3. Take a class to learn something new while forming organic friendships.
4. Use friend-making apps to meet others actively looking for companionship.
5. Say yes more often to invitations and social opportunities.

The key to making new friends is to be open, take initiative, and put yourself in environments where connections naturally happen. Friendships bring joy, support, and connection to your life—and they’re just as meaningful as any romantic relationship.