(this blog post follows on from my previous post about finding love in midlife)
Almost 90 years ago, Dale Carnegie offered practical advice and techniques for how to make friends quickly and easily. His book ‘How to win friends and influence people’ has been a huge bestseller. But I always thought it had one major flaw: it explains how to win people over, but it doesn’t explain where to find these people. Where are you supposed to meet all these potential new friends, or possible love interests?
After giving it some thought, I came up with the following ways to boost your chances of finding new people or even that special someone:
- Join clubs or groups: Whether it’s book club, triathlon training or photography class, these are prime spots to meet like-minded people. Check out social media groups for local events or activities where you can meet people in person.
- Attend social events: Get out there! Local festivals, art shows, and neighbourhood parties are perfect for meeting new people.
- Volunteer: Connect with people who share your passions by giving back.
- Try online dating: It’s not just for the young ones—online dating can be a great tool for midlifers too!
- Attend workshops and seminars: Maybe they’re related to your profession, a hobby or an interest – they’re goldmines for meeting new people and learning something new.
- Reconnect with old friends: Rekindling old friendships could open doors to new connections.
- Travel and explore: Need we say more?
- Be open and approachable: A smile and friendliness are your superpowers at the gym, the grocery store, or your favourite café.
- Attend retreats or wellness getaways: Spiritual, wellness, or creativity-focused retreats are great ways to meet people while focusing on personal growth.
- Take up a new sport or physical activity: Try something adventurous like rock climbing, paddleboarding, or dance classes—these activities encourage interaction and bonding.
- Attend networking events: Business or professional gatherings aren’t just for career advancement—they can also lead to meaningful personal connections.
- Sign up for group travel experiences: Group tours or adventure trips are excellent for meeting new people while exploring new destinations together.
- Join a cause or movement: Get involved in activism, environmental campaigns, or political organizations to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference.
- Take an improv or acting class: These classes not only build confidence but also create space for spontaneous, fun interactions with new people.
- Explore hobby matchmaking platforms: There are websites and apps specifically designed to connect people based on shared hobbies or interests, from gardening to gaming. In the US there’s Hobee Match, in the UK there’s Buddee, but you can also bond with others on Goodreads and Strava.
- Host or attend dinner parties: Organize or attend casual dinner events, where friends of friends gather in a relaxed setting, leading to organic connections.
- Try co-working spaces: If you work remotely or freelance, co-working spaces offer great opportunities to meet people with diverse professional backgrounds while sharing a productive environment.
- Join a cooking or wine-tasting class: Culinary experiences allow people to bond over shared interests, and you’ll get the chance to meet others who love experimenting with food or enjoying good wine.
- Attend open mic nights or storytelling events: Whether you’re performing or simply enjoying the talent, these creative spaces are filled with people ready to connect and share experiences.
- Pet meetups or dog parks: If you’re a pet owner, heading to dog parks or attending pet meetups provides a fun, relaxed way to meet other animal lovers while your pets socialize too.
And my final piece of advice to you is: embrace the adventure! Finding friends or love in midlife is an exciting journey. Midlife isn’t the end—it’s a fresh start. So, open your heart, explore new possibilities, and find the love and companionship you deserve.
Can you think of other ways to meet people and make new friends? Please do share them!
