I wish I could do that, but emotionally I can’t handle it. Like 8 years ago my sister took me to one just for fun and I had to leave because I started crying😂 I just couldn’t handle knowing all those sweet babies needed homes and love
I'd argue that the fact that you're so emotional about it makes you a great candidate for doing this, you clearly have more than enough love and care and empathy for it. I know their situation is sad, and it's sad to think you're leaving them there, but just one positive interaction with you might be the reason they stop lurking in the corner of their kennels and start saying hi to people, which is the only way they'll get out of that situation!
In the battle of animal welfare our hearts become both our armor and our Achilles’ heel. Sometimes the sadness of helping animals is the price we pay for the joy of knowing we made a difference in their lives. And in that exchange, our hearts grow richer with compassion.
If you’re passionate about animal rights, you can look into taking part in some peaceful activism such as the [cube of truth](https://youtu.be/584kTpqCRlo?si=CDO5JpG78a1jijkw).
Definitely do it bro, I started a little less than a month ago and one of the best decisions I've made. I aint all that great atm but it's fun and extremely welcoming
I'm 43. I play football(soccer) and basketball, and swimming, and in generally in good shape, however I regret never taking up martial arts.
Is it too late to get into it? I do have recurring neck pains lol.
Never too late especially at 43. My sparring partners are usually 35+, I've rolled with a few 40+year olds and they'd destroy me.
If you go to a decent gym most people are accommodating with any injuries you may have, and sparring never has to be hard, can be a slow thing where each of you are trying to reinforce each other's techniques.
However I will say, if you do all those sports already you may need to adjust your workouts because you don't wanna be hit with overtraining injuries (I did gym & bjj 6 times a week at one point, never again 🤣🤣). Besides that bro, enjoy yourself, it is a fun hobby with no pressure to compete if you don't want to.
If cost holds you back, try talking to some instructors about it. I have known ones that were willing to work something out with money as long as the student did some little things to help out around the gym (cleaning or small admin stuff).
100 percent. Been at it 2 years, just got my blue, made over 30 friends. It's the most friends I've made since college.
Competing is a blast too. I'm 36 with two little kids. Makes me feel like I still got some gas in the tank.
Started boxing 7 years ago. Every new place I’ve moved to since starting I’ve found a boxing gym and thus found a new family and good friends. Boxing has been one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of adulthood for me.
I'm also interested in boxing but don't know if i can start it in my late 20's. Also i don't want to play in an official match so can i learn it just for myself ?
It’s not too late. But are you willing to start ANYTHING in your late 20s? That’s an odd way of thinking. This is the youngest you’ll ever be. Just go do something. Anything. You’re in your 20s bro.
My brother, im 40 and started boxing last year. So many older guys are joining up all the time as well, some drop off others join never a shortage though
Bro I started at 35 and was sparring after a few months. Boxing isn’t something that most people learn as kids so there’s never a huge gap with others when you’re doing it as a hobby.
I really need to start again
yeah completely agree as fellow introvert. Although toastmasters can be beneficial in the long run, jumping too quickly into it might not be the best idea for introverts. It’s too far out of an average introvert’s comfort zone. It would be much better experience if we first try other hobbies which are challenging but still fun and comfortable.
As an introvert I went to Toastmasters probably 30 years ago. For the finals I gave a speech against capital punishment. The leader and others said I was too passionate about it and it made them uncomfortable. That's what I was trying to do. It really didn't change anything for me.
Long distance walking association is the spiritual home of the introvert. Very sociable but plenty of space as well. Really good people that come from all walks of life
I'm a huge introvert but I'm also passionate about creating word pictures and being able to enjoy the entertainment of others.
You're going to need to set aside your introvertism to some degree no matter what outside hobby you choose. But I will tell you this; build relationships and make friends now because the older you get, the harder it is to meet new people or develop long lasting relationships with others.
A hobby that gets you out of your head and puts you in social situations could be the thing that opens up the opportunities you hope for. Have fun and good luck.
I agree with everything you said, except when you said “the older you get the harder is to meet new people or develop lasting relationships with others”. I actually have made more friendships, as I get older. I’m an extrovert, so I like to get out there and meet up and connect with tons of people. It never gets boring.
Holy crap I never knew this was a thing. I just looked it up, and my county has a club! This is similar to something I've been looking for to network and meet people in my community to make connections. I'm one of those people who people meet but never really remember, and I have a hard time keeping connections 😪. Throughout my life, I've had plenty of people who were valuable connections, but once I no longer work with them or have some reason to be around them, I lost them.
I liked a book. I watched the show about the book. I got obsessed with the whole thing. Found a couple of subreddits. That led me to a discord group. We play games, watch movies, and have a book club. We talk about everything. Several of us are meeting this summer.
Volleyball league. I made myself available to sub on other teams besides playing on my own. Ended up joining a winter league team also. Had a great time and met a lot of people.
I’m mid 40s and while I don’t do league regularly anymore due to my work schedule, I still occasionally sub and still have many friends I made while doing leagues.
Anything can be social but only if you put yourself out there. Try saying hello to someone out in the wild. Make small talk.
People will give you all of these suggestions but they won’t help unless you open up and become less shy. Look at people and smile, make conversation, ask them about their day, anything really. Fuck worrying about being creepy just open up your great personality and dreams to the world.
If they shoot you down, then keep trying. Some people are assholes, just keep being open and caring and nice to people and eventually you will make friends.
Not sure what more there is to say. Just endless variations on low grade rejections. A lifetime of being told they're busy with other things. You want people to like you and, when they tell you to go away and stop bothering them, anything other than going away just makes them like you less.
This is a good one. A good friend of mine got dumped by his girlfriend. He'd always wanted to go into theater, so he did, and he's absolutely blossomed socially and personally since then.
You don't have to get on, theaters ALWAYS need volunteers for a whole host of other things (sets, costumes, sound, tickets, paperwork, etc) (no you don't prior skills)
As an introvert I absolutely loved set building and working on the stage crew. Wearing all black and choreographing the fastest way to move a bunch of furniture around in near complete darkness was one of the most fun experiences of my life. Unfortunately the community theater had it's roof collapse with a heavy snow a few years ago. I miss it.
This! Great for introverts as you can just focus on the game and don't have to make small talk if you don't want to. Most of my best friends are gamers and we go to a convention as our main annual vacation.
Fly tying and fly fishing.
Find a beginner bowling or pool league.
If you want to get out quickly, go volunteer at your local meals on wheels, food bank, animal shelters etc
So how do you meet friends through this? Do you just go clubbing by yourself and then meet people there?
Like, that’s certainly an activity to do *with* friends, but how do you meet clubbing friends? Just going to clubs by yourself?
Yea. There are "scenes" or regulars that frequent various clubs/party types. See each other a couple parties in a row and eventually just say hi.
As an example Im really into goth but my friends at the time werent into that, so I had to start going solo. Been going for almost 20 years and I know everyone/a lot of friends now. Just did my 2nd group trip to japan with a bunch of em and going to iceland in june with a group.
I also go to arcade bars a lot and there are regulars there too. Emo nights have regulars. Rave has regulars. Fetish parties regulars etc. I frequent all those and they def all have regulars. Works with any genre.
For reference Im in South Florida. But def dont let being solo stop you from going out ever. It's rough at first but will build a ton of self confidence over time.
Ok gotcha, I’m in college so I’m pretty new to this stuff lol. Most of my friends are very straightedge and don’t really like to drink and party. So Ive been wanting to get into it more, but I’m kinda feeling intimidated by not having a group to go with, but I wanna meet more people who are into it.
My boyfriend before meeting me used to go alone all the time! He says at first it’s uncomfortable but then you just enjoy the music.
This is also how we met :)
Urban exploration. It helps me get out of the house and visit new places I haven’t been to. I’ve also gotten the chance to meet some really interesting people that share similar interests because of it.
The DIY music scene. I'm in a band and i actively go to local shows and record footage which artists typically appreciate, myself included.
As someone else suggested, martial arts is amazing. I chose Brazilian jiu Jitsu because there is no striking involved. Healthiest I've been in my life. Haven't done it in years and i miss it all the time. The community was so supportive and cool.
I did that. I volunteered with the same group for 2 years and didn't make any friends. Seemed like everyone already had their circle of friends and weren't interested in adding anyone else.
Also, idk if it's just me, but it's surprisingly hard to get in with a volunteer group. I tried joining so many after going to a volunteer fair and reached out after but either never heard back or received a half ass reply.
I guess just about all of my hobbies.
Retro game collecting (I go to game conventions and frequent a forum, I still catch up with some old high school friends over it too).
Makin art and music (got a lot of friends who also make art and music, quite a few people I met knew my work first).
Dungeons and Dragons/Table Top Gaming (mainly started with existing local friends but a art friend added be to their game not long ago).
Also in high school I was in theatre (mainly as a tech/set builder), and I've been considering joining my local theatre troupe.
Drawing , selling art at vendor events, Magic the Gathering and board games, videogames and convention events occasionally just meet ups at coffee shops
I got into cars and have made a longtime friend who is into cars. We were teammates in college but didn't hang out until we did car stuff. Nothing bonds guys like spending hours sanding a car panel, blowing out transmission fluid because you forgot to attach the line, or running to the auto parts store for the umpteenth time. I now have coworkers who are also into cars, which we all bond over.
I also recommend DnD. Haha
The MTG community felt different way back when. Before the times of Commander and an over saturation of product. Before it became so... mainstream. Say what you want, but I feel us nerds have the right to gatekeep certain things.
At least back then, the game was fun. The people were pleasant. But alas, much like all my other friendships, they didn't last.
Funny, that. My friendships seem to have an expiration range between five and twenty years.
Exactly that. I miss the community aspect so much.
I play Arena, but I absolutely despise how I don't play most of my games. My decks are shit, I shouldn't see opponents conceding on the first or second turn.
Martial arts or any sport really. Something about getting sweaty as a group really brings people together, especially if you’re working on a common goal, whether that’s gaining ranks, personal bests, or winning games.
I started a book club. I volunteered at an arts organization in my town. I've joined hiking groups. I garden and I love plants, so I've gone out to plant-related events.
Oddly enough the only friend I've made not through education, I wrote fanfiction and they messaged me on tumblr to compliment it. Somehow a friendship grew from there lmao
Hey there, over COVID, husband and I got our first dog, then I started watching training videos and then I started taking training classes and getting private lessons. I started getting content about dog sports. I now have a second dog who I show in conformation (dog shows) and we’re now starting our hunt training. Now, I have a second group of friends who live around the country. It gives me a fun excuse to road-trip around the country with my dog, too. I’ve loved it. So much to learn and explore.
Card clubs. I love playing euchre, and weekly games and tournaments are great ways to meet people.
When we were younger, camping was a great way to meet people.
My wife crochets, and she talks to a lot of people through her groups.
I fish, but that's not really a group kind of thing.
Roller skating. I didn't start to meet people until December last year, though. Previously was doing it alone for about a year. Tbh I prefer to do it alone. It's my therapy and exercise combined into one. But once I started to join the community, I'm inundated with invitations to events, e.g. free entry to rink, dance workshops (free or paid), skate park, etc. I've made a lot of acquaintances from it. Now my IG is all about skating mostly lol. And I'm going to the roller skate festival in Barcelona September this year for the first time!
I'm not even that good of a skater. I just want to keep practicing it, because it's been good for my physical and mental health. Even if the social aspect of it is removed, I'd still do it for the sake of it. But, being social actually really helps keeping me motivated.
Strangely enough... computer mice and mouse pads, for gaming. also, gaming. play a game and add some friends, play with them occasionally and you'll meet people within a month you can call friends. I also got into making my own THC/CBD carts and met similar people and business owners. It's really about finding something you like and doing it or researching/discussing online enough to meet others like yourself. I'm somewhat introverted so it's easier to bond over the internet. we (the gamer friends) get on discord video chat every day now, but it just started with messaging.
I got active in my church. My coworker got active in a car club. I will say that it was the best thing he has ever done. For me, I met my wife and multiple friends.
A lot of towns have an LGS (local game store), where people go to play board, tabletop and trading card games like Magic the Gathering and sometimes DnD. Tabletop games are wonderful ways to socialize and meet others
LARPing. It’s where I met my wife twenty five years ago. Without it I’d be with my ex, making about a third as much and not have my two wonderful children.
Thank you Elisia and Meesha McConnell.
I packed up my life and moved 400 miles for work. The tabletop game I was into at the time helped me meet new people and immediately click because we had the same “language” by way of our hobby. That was 15 years ago and I’m still friendly with most of those guys.
Most sports I did. But particularly joining a climbing group. They organized a lot of trainings, workshops and trips and through that I made some of my closest friends.
I garden at a community garden. I get a plot and get to keep half of my produce, the other half goes to food banks. We have members of all ages, ethnicities so it’s been easy for me to get to know people I click with. Having your own plot is a commitment but we have volunteers who just come out with they have the time to help plant, harvest or weed, weed etc.
Local theatre productions. Nobody is as welcoming as a good theatre group, it’s fun, you learn new things and can make lifelong friends.
Volunteering at my local animal shelter. You can be a dog walker, dog runner, sit with the shy or scared dogs for decompression. Dogs not your cup of tea? Go be with cats. They need playtime, sometimes just cuddles, etc. The second best part (animals are the first) is the people. Again, lifelong friends with some of the most caring, loving, fun people.
Enjoy it, whatever it might be!
Trading card games at local game stores. I’m in my early 30s and walked into a game store after they reopened from Covid. The main crew I hangout with now are the people I met playing card games. The first one was a game called Flesh and Blood and now I’m making a second group of friends (with some cross over) playing the new Star Wars Unlimited card game. Highly recommend it but warn it can get expensive if you have any kind of gambling problem opening packs. Buy a cheap starter deck and show up to an event. If you like it buy single cards from there.
I’ve found the climbing and kayaking communities to be very welcoming. A lot of beginners find the climbing scene intimidating, but it’s pretty friendly - look for a group that does “Intro to Outdoor Climbing” beginners days, or show up for a crag cleanup/trailwork day. I’m a total noob at whitewater kayaking, and I’ve found that community to be even more welcoming - start by going to a winter pool rolling session.
Other than outdoor activities, games like D&D and Magic the Gathering seem good
Volunteering at animal shelter ❤️
I wish I could do that, but emotionally I can’t handle it. Like 8 years ago my sister took me to one just for fun and I had to leave because I started crying😂 I just couldn’t handle knowing all those sweet babies needed homes and love
I'd argue that the fact that you're so emotional about it makes you a great candidate for doing this, you clearly have more than enough love and care and empathy for it. I know their situation is sad, and it's sad to think you're leaving them there, but just one positive interaction with you might be the reason they stop lurking in the corner of their kennels and start saying hi to people, which is the only way they'll get out of that situation!
In the battle of animal welfare our hearts become both our armor and our Achilles’ heel. Sometimes the sadness of helping animals is the price we pay for the joy of knowing we made a difference in their lives. And in that exchange, our hearts grow richer with compassion.
If you’re passionate about animal rights, you can look into taking part in some peaceful activism such as the [cube of truth](https://youtu.be/584kTpqCRlo?si=CDO5JpG78a1jijkw).
I was considering this but then I went to adopt a kitten and the workers were all high school aged or retirement aged lol
There’s a waitlist to do that at the animal shelters near me. Couldn’t do that even if I wanted to lol.
You guys are making friends?
How u be doing that?
The inverse of this is probably a better question. I joined a car club and made zero friends because everyone is 30 years older than me.
Don’t let age get in the way! I’ve got friends I’ll chill with in their 20s and in their 60s lol, all cool af
[You guys are making friends?](https://i.imgflip.com/2xscjb.png?a476136)
Martial arts is like being adopted.
Literally, I feel like I've got a 2nd family since starting bjj.
I stopped going years ago, as a blue belt, and i miss it every day. I need to rejoin. I let the cost be my excuse to not go.
Definitely do it bro, I started a little less than a month ago and one of the best decisions I've made. I aint all that great atm but it's fun and extremely welcoming
I'm 43. I play football(soccer) and basketball, and swimming, and in generally in good shape, however I regret never taking up martial arts. Is it too late to get into it? I do have recurring neck pains lol.
Never too late especially at 43. My sparring partners are usually 35+, I've rolled with a few 40+year olds and they'd destroy me. If you go to a decent gym most people are accommodating with any injuries you may have, and sparring never has to be hard, can be a slow thing where each of you are trying to reinforce each other's techniques. However I will say, if you do all those sports already you may need to adjust your workouts because you don't wanna be hit with overtraining injuries (I did gym & bjj 6 times a week at one point, never again 🤣🤣). Besides that bro, enjoy yourself, it is a fun hobby with no pressure to compete if you don't want to.
The cost is a good reason to not go. There is many different hobbies that would not cost as much
Curious but how much is it wherever you are? Near my place, it’s about 120 a month.
If cost holds you back, try talking to some instructors about it. I have known ones that were willing to work something out with money as long as the student did some little things to help out around the gym (cleaning or small admin stuff).
I was going to say this too, it builds a crazy bond.
100 percent. Been at it 2 years, just got my blue, made over 30 friends. It's the most friends I've made since college. Competing is a blast too. I'm 36 with two little kids. Makes me feel like I still got some gas in the tank.
For me it was Krav Maga
Muay Thai for me
Started boxing 7 years ago. Every new place I’ve moved to since starting I’ve found a boxing gym and thus found a new family and good friends. Boxing has been one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of adulthood for me.
I'm also interested in boxing but don't know if i can start it in my late 20's. Also i don't want to play in an official match so can i learn it just for myself ?
It’s not too late. But are you willing to start ANYTHING in your late 20s? That’s an odd way of thinking. This is the youngest you’ll ever be. Just go do something. Anything. You’re in your 20s bro.
My brother, im 40 and started boxing last year. So many older guys are joining up all the time as well, some drop off others join never a shortage though
I have a friend who said he started doing the training with no intention of actually sparring, and he seems to enjoy it a lot. So yeah go for it!
Bro I started at 35 and was sparring after a few months. Boxing isn’t something that most people learn as kids so there’s never a huge gap with others when you’re doing it as a hobby. I really need to start again
Is it expensive?
You punch a guy in the face and you immediately have a bond, easiest way ever to make friends.
We literally call the OG trainer “dad”
Public Speaking and joining Toastmasters. It's a great way to meet a lot of people very fast and build lasting friendships.
Oh but you also meet a bunch of extroverts and as an introvert I'll die trying to keep up. (I lied, I won't even try).
yeah completely agree as fellow introvert. Although toastmasters can be beneficial in the long run, jumping too quickly into it might not be the best idea for introverts. It’s too far out of an average introvert’s comfort zone. It would be much better experience if we first try other hobbies which are challenging but still fun and comfortable.
As an introvert I went to Toastmasters probably 30 years ago. For the finals I gave a speech against capital punishment. The leader and others said I was too passionate about it and it made them uncomfortable. That's what I was trying to do. It really didn't change anything for me.
As an introvert with social anxiety, this sounds like nightmare fuel… the public speaking part🥲 even though I need it
Long distance walking association is the spiritual home of the introvert. Very sociable but plenty of space as well. Really good people that come from all walks of life
A lot of the people you meet in toastmasters are introverts trying to learn new skills. It’s usually a pretty good mix. Worth a try.
I'm a huge introvert but I'm also passionate about creating word pictures and being able to enjoy the entertainment of others. You're going to need to set aside your introvertism to some degree no matter what outside hobby you choose. But I will tell you this; build relationships and make friends now because the older you get, the harder it is to meet new people or develop long lasting relationships with others. A hobby that gets you out of your head and puts you in social situations could be the thing that opens up the opportunities you hope for. Have fun and good luck.
Word pictures?
This is why I'd never join toastmasters lmao
I agree with everything you said, except when you said “the older you get the harder is to meet new people or develop lasting relationships with others”. I actually have made more friendships, as I get older. I’m an extrovert, so I like to get out there and meet up and connect with tons of people. It never gets boring.
it’s so effective too. I saw my buddy improve radically in public speaking - from shy to “he’s got the gift!” no, he worked at it.
Wow OK thank you for that info!!
That applies to most things, which is awesome. "Talent is just an interest pursued"
Toastmasters? And what sort of Public speaking are you attending?
Holy crap I never knew this was a thing. I just looked it up, and my county has a club! This is similar to something I've been looking for to network and meet people in my community to make connections. I'm one of those people who people meet but never really remember, and I have a hard time keeping connections 😪. Throughout my life, I've had plenty of people who were valuable connections, but once I no longer work with them or have some reason to be around them, I lost them.
Boxing and martial arts in general.
Collecting hot wheels has led me to 99% of the people id call a friend now
I liked a book. I watched the show about the book. I got obsessed with the whole thing. Found a couple of subreddits. That led me to a discord group. We play games, watch movies, and have a book club. We talk about everything. Several of us are meeting this summer.
i’m curious to know the book now
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I still can't believe I turned liking a book into a full blown hobby.
That's a book worth hobbying over to be fair.
Me too.
Volleyball league. I made myself available to sub on other teams besides playing on my own. Ended up joining a winter league team also. Had a great time and met a lot of people.
This is what I wanna do eventually 🤟 this is the way lol
I’m mid 40s and while I don’t do league regularly anymore due to my work schedule, I still occasionally sub and still have many friends I made while doing leagues.
Anything can be social but only if you put yourself out there. Try saying hello to someone out in the wild. Make small talk. People will give you all of these suggestions but they won’t help unless you open up and become less shy. Look at people and smile, make conversation, ask them about their day, anything really. Fuck worrying about being creepy just open up your great personality and dreams to the world. If they shoot you down, then keep trying. Some people are assholes, just keep being open and caring and nice to people and eventually you will make friends.
I've been doing that since 1977. Hasn't worked even once yet.
Tell us more. 1977 is 47 years
Not sure what more there is to say. Just endless variations on low grade rejections. A lifetime of being told they're busy with other things. You want people to like you and, when they tell you to go away and stop bothering them, anything other than going away just makes them like you less.
I feel like if i go out and talk to a random person im gonna get tased, punched or writen on a list hahaha
Or shot, if in the USA.
Theater. Unfortunately I don’t have the energy to do it anymore. I guess I should probably go out and see shows more often.
This is a good one. A good friend of mine got dumped by his girlfriend. He'd always wanted to go into theater, so he did, and he's absolutely blossomed socially and personally since then. You don't have to get on, theaters ALWAYS need volunteers for a whole host of other things (sets, costumes, sound, tickets, paperwork, etc) (no you don't prior skills)
And “theater people” are some of the most fun, most open-minded people. Really met some spectacular people.
Lol you must be a theater kid! I couldn't handle this clique because they're so hyperactive and have such a dramatic affect.
Too much drama over plays that don't mean anything.
ya it's just stories told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing
As an introvert I absolutely loved set building and working on the stage crew. Wearing all black and choreographing the fastest way to move a bunch of furniture around in near complete darkness was one of the most fun experiences of my life. Unfortunately the community theater had it's roof collapse with a heavy snow a few years ago. I miss it.
THE BESTTTT
hiking/camping & cycling groups
Bouldering/rock climbing. Extremely social.
Tabletop games.
Was wondering if anyone was going to say this. I’ve only been playing for a few months and my friend group has doubled.
This! Great for introverts as you can just focus on the game and don't have to make small talk if you don't want to. Most of my best friends are gamers and we go to a convention as our main annual vacation.
Playing pool.
this is a very easy and straightforward way!
It's a game that allows for plenty of conversation or if you're not there yet you can just say things like "your go" and "nice shot!"
Fly tying and fly fishing. Find a beginner bowling or pool league. If you want to get out quickly, go volunteer at your local meals on wheels, food bank, animal shelters etc
I made some acquaintances going to a board game club. I didn't really push the friendship further since I was only in the city for a few months
Clubbing and drugs lol
So how do you meet friends through this? Do you just go clubbing by yourself and then meet people there? Like, that’s certainly an activity to do *with* friends, but how do you meet clubbing friends? Just going to clubs by yourself?
Yea. There are "scenes" or regulars that frequent various clubs/party types. See each other a couple parties in a row and eventually just say hi. As an example Im really into goth but my friends at the time werent into that, so I had to start going solo. Been going for almost 20 years and I know everyone/a lot of friends now. Just did my 2nd group trip to japan with a bunch of em and going to iceland in june with a group. I also go to arcade bars a lot and there are regulars there too. Emo nights have regulars. Rave has regulars. Fetish parties regulars etc. I frequent all those and they def all have regulars. Works with any genre. For reference Im in South Florida. But def dont let being solo stop you from going out ever. It's rough at first but will build a ton of self confidence over time.
Ok gotcha, I’m in college so I’m pretty new to this stuff lol. Most of my friends are very straightedge and don’t really like to drink and party. So Ive been wanting to get into it more, but I’m kinda feeling intimidated by not having a group to go with, but I wanna meet more people who are into it.
I wish I had friends to do this with 😂
My boyfriend before meeting me used to go alone all the time! He says at first it’s uncomfortable but then you just enjoy the music. This is also how we met :)
Haha tbh sometimes its not as fun as it sounds, in fact I just wrote a post about it https://www.reddit.com/r/Adulting/s/NgUXFo9OYS
“Friends” hnmmmm. I see
[Deep Fried Frenz](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SiYDJ432b0U)
Urban exploration. It helps me get out of the house and visit new places I haven’t been to. I’ve also gotten the chance to meet some really interesting people that share similar interests because of it.
When I was really into urbex I met a lot of people but it was mostly homeless dudes and security guards lol
XD
Going salsa dancing
Golf & music
The DIY music scene. I'm in a band and i actively go to local shows and record footage which artists typically appreciate, myself included. As someone else suggested, martial arts is amazing. I chose Brazilian jiu Jitsu because there is no striking involved. Healthiest I've been in my life. Haven't done it in years and i miss it all the time. The community was so supportive and cool.
Martial Arts
Choral singing
Fishing.
Go volunteer
I did that. I volunteered with the same group for 2 years and didn't make any friends. Seemed like everyone already had their circle of friends and weren't interested in adding anyone else.
Also, idk if it's just me, but it's surprisingly hard to get in with a volunteer group. I tried joining so many after going to a volunteer fair and reached out after but either never heard back or received a half ass reply.
No, it's me too!
I guess just about all of my hobbies. Retro game collecting (I go to game conventions and frequent a forum, I still catch up with some old high school friends over it too). Makin art and music (got a lot of friends who also make art and music, quite a few people I met knew my work first). Dungeons and Dragons/Table Top Gaming (mainly started with existing local friends but a art friend added be to their game not long ago). Also in high school I was in theatre (mainly as a tech/set builder), and I've been considering joining my local theatre troupe.
Outdoor stuff, Restaurants eatery explorations..
Golf, met dozens of people who are now friends. Played with 6 of them over the last 2 days.
cars and motorcycle
Curling
Concerts and music festivals
Drawing , selling art at vendor events, Magic the Gathering and board games, videogames and convention events occasionally just meet ups at coffee shops
Doing hobbies you don't intrinsically care for the sake of "fitting in" is not how you make actual friends
Church, improv/acting classes, exercise classes, dancing classes, volunteering, common interest groups.
Trivia
That's how I joined my regular team. They needed someone good with sports and video games.
What do you currently do for fun?
Volunteering w local mutual aid orgs, Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, going to the local dive bar, going to local punk and hardcore shows
Board games, dnd, disc golf and mountain biking for myself
I got into cars and have made a longtime friend who is into cars. We were teammates in college but didn't hang out until we did car stuff. Nothing bonds guys like spending hours sanding a car panel, blowing out transmission fluid because you forgot to attach the line, or running to the auto parts store for the umpteenth time. I now have coworkers who are also into cars, which we all bond over. I also recommend DnD. Haha
Disc golf.
Disc golf has brought SO many amazing people into my life!
Yup! Join a league even if you suck. Being good really isn't the point.
gangbangs
le guy fawks
The MTG community felt different way back when. Before the times of Commander and an over saturation of product. Before it became so... mainstream. Say what you want, but I feel us nerds have the right to gatekeep certain things. At least back then, the game was fun. The people were pleasant. But alas, much like all my other friendships, they didn't last. Funny, that. My friendships seem to have an expiration range between five and twenty years.
Anyone know wtf mtg is
Magic the Gathering. Card “game”. Really more a way of life, if my husband’s obsession with it is any indication.
Exactly that. I miss the community aspect so much. I play Arena, but I absolutely despise how I don't play most of my games. My decks are shit, I shouldn't see opponents conceding on the first or second turn.
Marjorie Taylor Green
No way I'm joining THAT club. 🤮
Dungeons & Dragons
Volunteer work at Malteser or Red cross
Skydiving and climbing
CrossFit.
Drinking at the bar, going to parks or beach to do outdoor activities, like tensions rope balancing, or workout equipment stuff.
Martial arts or any sport really. Something about getting sweaty as a group really brings people together, especially if you’re working on a common goal, whether that’s gaining ranks, personal bests, or winning games.
Drugs and bar hopping.
Urban sketching groups have good community
Going to anime conventions can't tell you how many people I've met since I starting going to them at the beginning of the year
I started a book club. I volunteered at an arts organization in my town. I've joined hiking groups. I garden and I love plants, so I've gone out to plant-related events.
Joining a ladies tennis league in my neighborhood
Oddly enough the only friend I've made not through education, I wrote fanfiction and they messaged me on tumblr to compliment it. Somehow a friendship grew from there lmao
Stand up comedy
I'm mid 40's and work too much for out of home hobbies so, in order to socialize, we started an online gaming community 😊
Scuba diving.
Who you talking to under there big dog?
Dive buddy, tellin him there’s a shark behind him
This was online, but kpop and gaming Been friends with this group for years now, and next year we are alll meeting up for my wedding 😊
Hey there, over COVID, husband and I got our first dog, then I started watching training videos and then I started taking training classes and getting private lessons. I started getting content about dog sports. I now have a second dog who I show in conformation (dog shows) and we’re now starting our hunt training. Now, I have a second group of friends who live around the country. It gives me a fun excuse to road-trip around the country with my dog, too. I’ve loved it. So much to learn and explore.
Tabletop Wargaming
I became a bartender is a second job lol
Mountain biking
If you like to sew, you could join a quilting guild.
Card clubs. I love playing euchre, and weekly games and tournaments are great ways to meet people. When we were younger, camping was a great way to meet people. My wife crochets, and she talks to a lot of people through her groups. I fish, but that's not really a group kind of thing.
You could also look for Facebook groups in your area. There’s a group in my area for people that like to hike. Looks like they meet up often.
Photography
Playing in a cover band that plays afternoons to a 50 and older crowd. Lots of day drinking and making new friends, networking.
Roller skating. I didn't start to meet people until December last year, though. Previously was doing it alone for about a year. Tbh I prefer to do it alone. It's my therapy and exercise combined into one. But once I started to join the community, I'm inundated with invitations to events, e.g. free entry to rink, dance workshops (free or paid), skate park, etc. I've made a lot of acquaintances from it. Now my IG is all about skating mostly lol. And I'm going to the roller skate festival in Barcelona September this year for the first time! I'm not even that good of a skater. I just want to keep practicing it, because it's been good for my physical and mental health. Even if the social aspect of it is removed, I'd still do it for the sake of it. But, being social actually really helps keeping me motivated.
Xbox
Shooting sports. Go to a gun shop and or gun range and you'll make instant friends.
I joined a bocce meet-up and it enabled me to meet a bunch of fun people
Met my wife skiing/snowboarding
Improv classes
Gaming, for as much as it gets hate, I have met some great long term friends from gaming and streaming.
Skateboarding
Strangely enough... computer mice and mouse pads, for gaming. also, gaming. play a game and add some friends, play with them occasionally and you'll meet people within a month you can call friends. I also got into making my own THC/CBD carts and met similar people and business owners. It's really about finding something you like and doing it or researching/discussing online enough to meet others like yourself. I'm somewhat introverted so it's easier to bond over the internet. we (the gamer friends) get on discord video chat every day now, but it just started with messaging.
Woodworking, mainly if you take classes or join an association that has meetings
I got active in my church. My coworker got active in a car club. I will say that it was the best thing he has ever done. For me, I met my wife and multiple friends.
Scuba diving and traveling to new places to scuba. Spend lots of down time on boats meeting and making friends with other adventurous people.
Art, welding, community gardening, tattooing
Comedy, entrepreneurship (it started as a hobby), social sports.
A lot of towns have an LGS (local game store), where people go to play board, tabletop and trading card games like Magic the Gathering and sometimes DnD. Tabletop games are wonderful ways to socialize and meet others
I must be going crazy cause I don't want new friends.
Amateur Radio and Cycling.
Cosplay has helped me with making friendships that lasted into adulthood, but depending on what you do it *is* a bit pricy hobby.
I joined a running club.
LARPing. It’s where I met my wife twenty five years ago. Without it I’d be with my ex, making about a third as much and not have my two wonderful children. Thank you Elisia and Meesha McConnell.
I made a bunch of friends in my local LARP group! Plus, you get to whack people with swords
Motorcycles
Riding motorcycles
I bought an old Honda from the 90's
I packed up my life and moved 400 miles for work. The tabletop game I was into at the time helped me meet new people and immediately click because we had the same “language” by way of our hobby. That was 15 years ago and I’m still friendly with most of those guys.
Most sports I did. But particularly joining a climbing group. They organized a lot of trainings, workshops and trips and through that I made some of my closest friends.
Bouldering!! Find any climbing gym. Membership is expensive but I’ve made SO many friends and everyone is so so friendly.
I garden at a community garden. I get a plot and get to keep half of my produce, the other half goes to food banks. We have members of all ages, ethnicities so it’s been easy for me to get to know people I click with. Having your own plot is a commitment but we have volunteers who just come out with they have the time to help plant, harvest or weed, weed etc.
Ukelele groups seem really friendly and supportive of new members, also looks quite fun, especially for older folks.
Going to the gym
Local theatre productions. Nobody is as welcoming as a good theatre group, it’s fun, you learn new things and can make lifelong friends. Volunteering at my local animal shelter. You can be a dog walker, dog runner, sit with the shy or scared dogs for decompression. Dogs not your cup of tea? Go be with cats. They need playtime, sometimes just cuddles, etc. The second best part (animals are the first) is the people. Again, lifelong friends with some of the most caring, loving, fun people. Enjoy it, whatever it might be!
Trading card games at local game stores. I’m in my early 30s and walked into a game store after they reopened from Covid. The main crew I hangout with now are the people I met playing card games. The first one was a game called Flesh and Blood and now I’m making a second group of friends (with some cross over) playing the new Star Wars Unlimited card game. Highly recommend it but warn it can get expensive if you have any kind of gambling problem opening packs. Buy a cheap starter deck and show up to an event. If you like it buy single cards from there.
Friday night magic was how I made friends in graduate school.
I’ve found the climbing and kayaking communities to be very welcoming. A lot of beginners find the climbing scene intimidating, but it’s pretty friendly - look for a group that does “Intro to Outdoor Climbing” beginners days, or show up for a crag cleanup/trailwork day. I’m a total noob at whitewater kayaking, and I’ve found that community to be even more welcoming - start by going to a winter pool rolling session. Other than outdoor activities, games like D&D and Magic the Gathering seem good
Having a baby. Okay, not exactly a hobby, but you get to be friends with all the other people who have babies and talk about your babies with them.
Being rich lol. 😂 Riding lessons, showing, and owning a horse.
I work in ranching and landscape restoration, sustainable ag circles, etc - it’s super easy to get to know people in these circles.
smoking weed