A surprising number of people online post about how they don’t have any friends as adults, and don’t know how to go about meeting any. Alternatively, others mention that although they neither have nor want a close friend group, they enjoy socializing and would like to do more of it.
People who’d like to socialize regularly but don’t necessarily have the time, energy, or will to cultivate close friendships can get their needs met by taking part in the following activities.
1. Meetup groups.
No matter what you’re interested in, there’s bound to be a Meetup group dedicated to it. Furthermore, if your interests are quite niche and nobody in your social circle shares your passion for them, it’s likely that you just haven’t met the right people to share them with yet!
Whether a person is interested in mushroom identification, cosplay, fine dining, spirituality, paranormal investigation, or literally any other interest known to humanity, they’ll undoubtedly be able to link up with others of like mind to hang out and socialize with. Some meetups happen weekly, others are monthly or seasonal, so you can take part in a variety of activities whenever you feel inclined to do so.
2. Volunteer work.
Volunteer work is ideal to connect with like-minded individuals because you already know that you share common interests and values with the people you’ll be working with. A lot of people seem to think that volunteering is just for retirees or fervent religious types, but that’s just not so. There are great volunteer opportunities in everything from shoreline cleanups and organic farm work to shelter building with Habitat for Humanity or healthcare with Doctors Without Borders, and so on. Furthermore, experts advise that volunteering helps to cultivate a sense of purpose in people and does real good in the world.
I actually met my partner while doing volunteer work on a community garden/farm project. We chatted for hours about books and music as we churned compost and cultivated vegetables, and developed a close friendship that evolved into the relationship we’ve had for several years now.
3. Museum or art gallery openings.
People who love art and history probably visit museums and art galleries regularly to see the new wonders and creations exhibited there. The key to socializing at these places, however, is to attend openings rather than simply stopping by.
These openings are opportunities for people to socialize with like-minded individuals while enjoying the refreshments being offered. Whether a person is into contemporary art or Etruscan archaeological finds, they’ll be able to exchange ideas with those who share their interests, while indulging in tasty snacks at the same time.
There are museums dedicated to just about every category imaginable, so whether a person is into maritime history, antiquities, science, or natural history, they’re bound to find exhibits (and upcoming openings!) that’ll pique their interest.
4. Fun classes or workshops.
When we talk about classes here, we don’t mean intense lectures on Hegelian dialectic or the history of chairs. Instead, we mean hands-on classes where students learn new skills or have the opportunity to practice techniques with one another.
For example, adult language classes invariably involve students practicing what they’ve learned in conversation, while those who take cooking or craft classes end up helping each other, comparing notes, and so on. Best of all, many students get together for meals or drinks after classes to socialize a bit more. As a result, people can learn new things while also refilling their social mana bar, but without feeling overwhelmed since they can leave at any time.
5. Community “town hall” meetings.
Those who are community-minded and have the inclination to make positive change happen in their own vicinity may be interested in town hall meetings. These can happen quarterly, monthly, or even bi-monthly, depending on the size of the community, and touch upon everything from public services and ordinances to outreach opportunities.
This is a great way for a person to connect with neighbors and others in the community and take part in things that matter to them, without necessarily feeling the pressure to be performative in an overly friendly manner. Some might like to get involved with the local firefighting team, others might do meal prep for a food bank or the elderly, but keep their socializing to a minimum outside of the meetings themselves.
6. Become a regular at a local cafe, pub, etc.
One of the best ways a person can socialize regularly if they don’t have (or want) close friends is to become a regular fixture at the watering hole of their choice. Whether they’re coffee aficionados or craft beer fans, they can find a cafe or pub whose atmosphere suits their preferences best, and make a point of establishing a presence there regularly.
In just a short period of time, they won’t just befriend the baristas or servers there, but also the other regulars who frequent that establishment, opening opportunities for casual conversation and companionship. Additionally, some of these venues host things like literature readings, open mic music shows, quiz nights, etc., which are great ways to connect with others and have a great time.
7. Hobby get-togethers.
No matter what hobby you’re into, there will be opportunities to connect with and hang out with others of like mind. I made some amazing friends when I used to go to comic and hobby shops to paint miniatures, and my partner has connected with great people in knitting and sewing groups hosted by her favourite craft shops.
Some places have game nights where people can put together jigsaw puzzles or play board games together, and there are gatherings for hobbies ranging from jewelry making to wood carving, photography, writing, and more. Best of all, a lot of hobbyists are quiet introverts, so people can socialize in relative silence rather than being depleted by soul-crushing small talk.
8. Sports teams (or similar organizations).
If a person’s interests lean more towards athleticism, then places where they can play sports or get their favorite type of exercise would give them the opportunity to socialize while leaping around and burning off energy. Some might be into ultimate frisbee while others like football, curling, or lacrosse, but all offer the chance to hang out with like-minded people, have fun, have a few laughs, and so on.
Other people might prefer to hone techniques like rock climbing, fencing, or martial arts, which all require others to help with (i.e., belaying) or to spar with. Those who take classes or join sports clubs and attend them on a regular basis can benefit greatly from both the physical aspect and the socializing that happens in between practice sets.
Final thoughts…
The activities mentioned here are all great for socializing without too much commitment or interpersonal obligation. Those who prefer casual hangouts over close, demanding friendships can benefit from them greatly, as they can choose whether to go out and not feel obligated to do so.
That said, many of these activities also offer the opportunity to cultivate some great, close friendships, if that’s desired. Pub quiz teams, cafe friends, and sparring partners can become as close as family members over time, but only if everyone involved is on the same page.
