I'm very introverted, so loneliness was usually not a big problem for me. But now I feel like I just need some more people to talk to. Just something else to do besides work.
Many game shops have tabletop groups and that's a good way to meet nerds.
Punk/DIY shows are 40% music and 60% social event.
People who do the drogs have very elaborate and often inclusive social structures around them.
Places around you with bulletin boards will often be papered with events.
The number one thing, though, is accepting conversations as they come. I don't mean trying to small talk everyone you pass on the street, but if you have a thought that's relevant and not rude, share it- you can end up relating really well to someone. I'm an ambivert and I don't really seek people out, but if people talk to me I'll talk right back, and sometimes it goes places.
Id say go to local events and talk to the people around you. I'm sure there are pro Palestinian rallies somewhere by you. I've met so many cool people just talking to the person standing next to me at a rally or march. Sometimes the main point of a "do nothing" protest is actually be a reason to bring like minded folks together.
Honestly there was medication for it back in 1992. I’m serious my bff went through a bout of depression and they gave her meds for social anxiety and she’s miss social butterfly now, self confident and all. It happened in the span of two weeks, I’m serious.
Volunteering. I made some good friends doing mutual aid stuff.
Edit: I'll expand, since it's relevant: I was distributing hot meals to hungry people. This was actually really good practice talking to people (strangers). Was intimidating at first, but I leaned into it and really enjoyed doing it.
Fun group physical activities like hiking or rock climbing or BJJ or volleyball/basketball/flag football/ultimate rec leagues is where I have met essentially all of my friends.
IRL meetups for any hobbies you have. Even things like jigsaw puzzling have meetups.
I just don’t understand why these people have no interests already? Like why ask people for ideas in what to do who doesn’t know what hiking is? I recommend meetup.com though for sure, there’s also bumble bf and some other apps if ou search that one
But yeah choose thing you like to do—-> apply public/outside/other humans and you can be healthy then
I just don’t understand why these people have no interests already? Like why ask people for ideas in what to do who doesn’t know what hiking is? I recommend meetup.com though for sure, there’s also bumble bf and some other apps if ou search that one
But yeah choose thing you like to do—-> apply public/outside/other humans and you can be healthy then
"I just don't understand why people find it hard to get a job and a car and a house? Just go out there, find one, and save money. It's sO eAsY!"
With all due respect, get the fuck out with that shit. This is supposed to be a place of support, not judgmental fucking bullshit like you're spouting.
It's true (not trying to put OP on blast here) that if someone is asking how to meet people that is probably more indicative of an underlying issue where they aren't pursuing self-actualization by cultivating special interests or hobby skills. If you are doing those you tend to encounter & attract kindred spirits fairly easily.
In addition to everything suggested so far, I'd recommend Meetup if they have it where you live. You can search for groups, and sort them by proximity. I join a few events on Meetup every now and again, just whatever looks fun (also used to run a few groups that ended up folding due to covid). I've made enough friends off them that I can bring them as +1s to stuff I'd rather not attend solo.
Yeah there has been a noticeable drop off since I first used it, only the large groups can afford to pay the organiser subscription after any promo period ends. The ones that remain are bankrolled through sources other than their strict MU membership. So I notice groups pop up briefly, gain a small pool of members, then shift to other platforms when it comes time to pay up.
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if where I live people simply don't use it, but meetup.com to me only shows events and groups by "expats" and "digital nomads".
I assume you're a cis-het guy? Not gonna lie it's gonna be tough going to events solo, as a single guy automatically puts many people's defenses up. Also tbh you're not gonna find great advice on hexbear when it comes to specifically male loneliness issues. It might be better to find a site/forum that specifically caters to that.
Classes are a very safe bet but pricier. Lowkey grassroots event are also easy and cheap but harder to find. Festivals/raves > shows > clubs are more variable cause it's loud af and way less intimate but people are gonna be high and super friendly. Note mainstream clubs interactions are gonna be interpreted as flirting, and ime first interactions with people when we're both high af never goes stronger beyond that (i.e. drug/party buddies)
I got involved with the local bicycle users group around me. It's a chance to take my kids for a ride with some chill older people. I may not call them 'friends' but it's a chance to hang out with other people now and then
lol I mean weakness allows them to flourish though right? I’m assuming Im older and know a bit more about life than you do, trust me you’re better than them but don’t be a helpless person if you can help it, that’s only one step above them