17 Ways to Make New Friends

Whether you've just moved to a new city or are hoping to grow the friend circle you already have, like online dating, there are various websites and apps now that can help. Meetup is one of the more well-known online social networking portals aiming to bring like-minded people together. There's almost any kind of group imaginable, from book clubs focusing on the apocalypse to Texan vegetarians. If you're looking for your mommy soulmate, you can also try some apps specifically for moms like MomCo and Hello Mamas.

If it seemed so much easier to make friends when you were in school, that's because consistency is key. The more you see someone, the more chances you have of forming a connection and getting to know one another.

Consider taking extra skill-based classes like web development or other more hobby-oriented ones like cooking, art or wine-making. This way, you get to grow your passions while meeting new people. Win-wine, errr, win-win!

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If participating in a group is more your style, check out a book club, culture association or singing group. If you're looking to get active, join a climbing gym, yoga group or sailing club. These options won't cost a fortune or take up too much time, plus you'll get to socialize while doing the things you like.

If you have a few hours to spare a week, help out an organization you care about. This can be an animal shelter, food waste kitchen or community center, for example. By joining an amazing cause, you won't only make a difference but you'll also meet people who are just as amazing as you for giving back.

You'll find a lot of things in common with other moms just by being a mom. Your kids (fur babies included) are automatic friend magnets. You'll be attending a lot of events with parents of kids your age, like bake sales, after-school activities, play dates and info sessions. Reach out to them for a coffee date or start with quick chats during school pick up. Whether you share your parenting struggles or laugh about the latest, most ridiculous question your kids asked, there's loads to talk about!

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You're already building connections on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, even if you've never met these "followers" or "friends" in person before. Make an effort to follow and engage with people in your area with similar interests. And hey, maybe after a few conversations, you can even plan to meet them IRL!

If you don't know anyone in the town you just moved to, or if you're struggling to make more mom friends, ask people you already know to introduce you to other people. Give it a shot! Maybe they'll know someone in your area. Old friends also get you, so they'll have a good idea of who you'll get along with.

Sometimes the catalyst you need is to just leave the house. Check out an art gallery opening, book reading or lecture. Brands, companies and universities hold community events all the time. There you can find people who share similar interests as you, which means small talk won't be as awkward (and dare we say fun)!

Cheer on your team with other fans at local bars. It's way less intimidating when the whole pub is on your side, and you'll instantly form connections because you'll be celebrating (or crying) together by the end of the game.

So many people walk around or wait in public spaces with phones in their faces. (I'm definitely guilty!) It's like we need to constantly feed our brain with information. Try putting the phone away for once (like tuck it really deep down in your purse where you'll be too lazy to get it). Make eye contact with people and start small talk. There was a really good video from 2014 called "Look Up" that gives a similar message. Look up. Because you might be missing an important connection with someone.

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OK it seems ridiculous to get in a line on purpose, but hear us out. People who are in a line have time to kill—everyone just happens to be on their smartphones (See previous point)! It may seem intimidating at first, but start a conversation with the person in front or behind you with simple, non-intrusive questions like "Have you tried a (whatever product you're waiting for) before?" or "How long have you been waiting?" Apparently, Americans spend 37 billion hours waiting in line every year anyway. Why not actually have fun with it and meet some new people? So go get that ramen burger with an ube cupcake topped with flan for dessert!

Many companies offer carpool or vanpool services, and some even reward you for going green. But if your office doesn't already have an organized service, consider setting one up yourself! Chances are there's someone who already takes a similar path to yours, and you'll get to know other coworkers you don't normally work with or talk to during your day. Getting stuck in traffic together makes for great bonding. There's just something about inching along the freeway that forces you to have conversations with the person next to you. Plus, you might be able to park in special carpool-only spaces or use the carpool lane!

Maybe there's a neighbor or coworker you often see who seems interesting, but you only know them on a very superficial level. Next time, take the plunge and ask them if they'd like to join you for a cup of coffee. (And if they say they don't like coffee—or even tea—well, you don't want to be friends with them anyway.)

If you're hoping to meet like-minded entrepreneural folks or creatives, go to a networking event. Look for conferences, breakfast forums, luncheons, startup circles or even events with your college's alumni association. Eventbrite also lists networking opportunities online. People at these opportunities are looking to network and chat, so you'll fit right in!

You know where the other moms are? Shopping. There never seems to be an end to the things kids need, so why not take them as chances to meet someone new? Lyss Stern tells Mom.me how she made a good friend while shopping for her newborn, "We were comparing notes on our registries, then started talking and kept in touch. We wound up planning a lot of playdates at the park, and our kids will probably be friends forever."

So go shopping! (You don't have to tell us twice).

There is now an increasing number of food sharing initiatives that bring strangers together to share incredible meals. Try EatWith, Let's Lunch and Traveling Spoon to start. Or if you can't find a group near you, start your own big dinner table with your community. Members can rotate the cooking and hosting. The sharing of food has always been a part of our identities, and there's just something about eating together that connects us to each other.

Sometimes it's easier to socialize with your partner in crime by your side. Going on a double date will connect you with other couples and keep your own relationship fresh. Do couple-y things together (like hiking, concerts, wine-tasting). Don't know where to start? There's an app for that. (Surprise, surprise.)