7 Most Exciting Places To Meet New People

Half of all Americans report feeling lonely.

Think about that for a second.

In a world of instant communication and constant connectivity, 50% of the country feels lonely and isolated. It’s as sad as it is surprising.

Humans are social animals. We thrive on interaction and being part of a group. It promotes feelings of belonging and inclusion. Without it, we struggle to live happily.

Meeting new people when we’re lonely can be an important part of overcoming the problem. But it can be hard to know where to go to find them.

We wanted to help. Are you looking to get out and make some new social connections?

Keep reading to discover the seven most exciting places to meet new people.

1. Clubs

By clubs, we don’t mean night clubs.

Hitting the town is a sure-fire way to meet others, but the environment doesn’t exactly lend itself to connection. In fact, alone in a loud and rowdy nightclub setting, it’s easy to feel even lonelier. It’s difficult to have a conversation and get to know someone.

Instead, try going to clubs that operate in the day time.

Sports clubs, social clubs, bingo clubs, chess club…It doesn’t matter. All of them function for the same reason: to bring people together around a shared interest.

It’s also a great way to try something new. Check out the local clubs in your area and see what takes your fancy. Call ahead to introduce yourself. Then get on down and meet some new and interesting people.

2. The Internet

You might wonder how the internet is an exciting place to meet people.

It’s a fair concern. On the face of it, the internet doesn’t exactly scream excitement.

But hear us out.

The internet is one of the best ways to meet people and make connections. There are all sorts of opportunities to form actual human relationships. Almost 4.5 billion people are online now. Surely, that’s a little bit exciting?!

Social media is one way of doing it. Head to Facebook and search for social groups near you. Find websites oriented around bringing people together. Meetup.com is one example. Here, everyday people advertise social meetups around particular activities and interests. There’s something for everyone.

Looking for something a little less plutonic? This website might be for you.

3. Popular Dog-Walking Parks

Parks are great for a number of reasons.

You’re outside in a bit of greenery, in beautiful surroundings with lots of people to meet too. One top way of getting to know others there is by taking your dog along. Dog walkers tend to congregate at certain times of the day.

They’re there for a practical purpose, of course. However, as the dogs run around and play, you get to hang out with fellow dog-lovers from your area. Get on down to the local park and see who’s there to meet.

4. Comedy Clubs

There’s nothing like a sense of humor to bring people together.

It might feel intimidating. Going to a comedy club alone and striking up a conversation might feel like your idea of hell.

But comedy clubs are where people go to laugh! Everyone there will be in high spirits and a happy mood. Everyone’s having a good time. That’s good news for anyone trying to meet people. It lends itself to a conversation and openness to others.  

5. Professional Networking Events

The entire purpose of networking is meeting new people!

Now, in a professional context that predominantly has a work-related significance. However, what starts professional can quickly turn into something friendlier.

After all, you’re in the same business. You automatically have a shared interest to connect over. If there are mutual opportunities to benefit from, then you can help each other out. That lends itself to developing a friendship.

Remember, meeting new people is all about putting yourself out there. You’ll be surprised where you eventually first come across your next best friend or partner. You have to be in the arena to have a chance of getting to know them.

6. Conferences

Conferences might not sound inspiring, but they can be a great place to meet people.

They don’t have to be work-related. Conferences and workshops happen on all manner of subjects and areas. You can guarantee there’s one set up somewhere in relation to your hobbies and interests.

Get out there and find them. The beauty of them is that you know from the outset there will be people you can relate to. They’re ideal networking opportunities. Often, conferences have an actual networking and social side to them.

Go along and you’re guaranteed to meet some cool new people.

7. Volunteering

How about killing two birds with one stone?

Volunteer your time and efforts somewhere. You do something good for the world and meet new people all at once.

It’s rare to find a nasty person who volunteers for a good cause. After all, they’re getting nothing out of it other than a sense of goodwill.

Of course, don’t volunteer only to meet new people. Do it for the right reasons; to lend a hand to something that matters. Do that, and you’re sure to get to know some cool new people in the process.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Meet New People

There you have it: the most exciting places to meet new people.

Unfortunately, we’re living in an era that doesn’t make sense. Technology means we’re more connected than ever before, but it’s contributed to a major rise in loneliness and isolation.

As we’ve seen, humans are social animals that thrive on meaningful connections with others. It’s vital to get out there and meet new people when we’re feeling low and alone.

Hopefully, this post has highlighted the best places to do that.

Did you like this piece? Read more like it on the blog! Head to the life skills section to get started.

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