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.

Make Plans with Friends Often—Be the One to Initiate

Friendships, like any relationship, require effort. Instead of waiting for others to invite you out, take the initiative to make plans. Whether it’s a casual coffee meet-up, a weekend trip, or a game night at home, taking charge of your social calendar keeps your friendships active and thriving.

Ways to Stay Connected:

Schedule regular meet-ups. Set a monthly dinner, brunch, or movie night.
Check in with old friends. Reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.
Plan group activities. Organize a hiking trip, beach day, or trivia night.
Be spontaneous. A simple “Want to grab coffee?” text can lead to great conversations.

Friendships are just as valuable as romantic relationships, and nurturing them ensures you always have a strong support system.

2. Join a Local Club or Class—Meet Like-Minded People

One of the best ways to expand your social circle is by immersing yourself in activities that align with your interests. Whether it’s fitness, art, volunteering, or learning a new skill, joining a group helps you meet people naturally in a low-pressure environment.

Ideas for Clubs & Classes:

Fitness groups: Join a yoga class, running club, or dance class.
Creative hobbies: Take an art class, pottery workshop, or improv class.
Book clubs: Great for meeting people who love deep conversations.
Language classes: A fun way to learn something new while making friends.
Volunteering: Helping out in your community is both fulfilling and a great way to meet like-minded people.

Engaging in shared activities makes forming friendships feel organic rather than forced, and it provides built-in opportunities for regular meet-ups.

3. Attend Events Solo—You’ll Be Surprised How Many People Are Open to Chatting

Many people hesitate to attend social events alone, but stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to exciting new connections. Whether it’s a networking event, festival, concert, or local meetup, going solo makes you more approachable and opens the door for spontaneous interactions.

Tips for Attending Events Alone:

Go in with an open mindset. Instead of stressing about meeting people, focus on enjoying the experience.
Start small. Attend low-pressure events like open mic nights, food festivals, or community markets.
Be friendly and approachable. Smile, make eye contact, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
Engage in conversations. Compliment someone’s outfit, ask a question, or comment on the event itself.

Attending events solo builds confidence and teaches you that you don’t need a plus-one to have a great time.

4. Be Open to New Friendships—Say Yes to Invitations!

Sometimes, we limit ourselves by sticking to familiar routines and social circles. Expanding your social life means being open to meeting new people and saying yes to invitations, even when they’re outside your comfort zone.

Ways to Be More Socially Open:

Accept invitations, even if you’re unsure. You never know who you’ll meet.
Be willing to mix social circles. Introduce your friends to each other and meet their friends too.
Attend work or community gatherings. Workplace social events or neighborhood get-togethers can lead to unexpected friendships.
Step out of your comfort zone. Try events you wouldn’t normally attend—comedy nights, museum tours, or sports games.

The more you say yes to social opportunities, the more connections you’ll build over time.

5. Use Social Apps—Connect with Like-Minded People

Social media and apps aren’t just for dating—they can also help you find new friends and communities. Whether you’ve moved to a new city, are looking for travel buddies, or want to connect with people who share your interests, online platforms can be incredibly helpful.

Best Social Apps for Making Friends:

Meetup: Great for joining local groups, hobby-based communities, and networking events.
Bumble BFF: Helps you connect with people looking for genuine friendships.
Facebook Groups: Many cities have groups for new residents, hobbyists, and social gatherings.
Nextdoor: Connects you with people in your local area for events and activities.
Eventbrite: Find workshops, social events, and networking opportunities near you.

Using social apps can help bridge the gap between online interactions and real-life friendships.

A fulfilling social life doesn’t depend on having a romantic partner—it’s about surrounding yourself with meaningful connections, engaging in activities you love, and staying open to new experiences.

Being single allows you the freedom to invest in yourself, build strong friendships, and enjoy a rich social life on your terms. The key is to be proactive, open-minded, and intentional about creating the life you want.

Romantic relationships come and go, but true friendships and self-fulfillment last a lifetime. Keep nurturing them, and you’ll always have a thriving social life—whether single or in a relationship.