When I first moved to NYC a couple years ago, I knew a handful of people. Mainly relatives, and a few old friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. I really thought I was getting into my groove – talking to neighbors, happy hours with coworkers, and saying yes to anything and everything people ask me to do… I was even going out alone!
Then, you know what I’m going to say, covid happened. Not only did it stop my momentum, but it also has now left me in that awkward position where I can’t capitalize on being the new girl anymore – I need to actually go out of my way to put myself out there and find my people.
Luckily, with technology these days [you sound like dad], there are some options out there to help meet people that aren’t entirely creepy and weird as you may expect from online.
Here are my picks:
Bumble BFF
This is definitely my option #1. Not because I accidentally set up my dating profile here initially thinking BF stood for boyfriend and then started matching with girls… [don’t you see the two F’s in the app name??] but because I also have other friends who stand by this when moving to a new city and still talk to friends they’ve made on the app to this day. I would say this is probably the most “normal” way to get yourself out there knowing everyone you’re talking to feels just as awkward. [I’ve had a few friends find success with this, and without feeling weird]
Meetup
This is my second choice – only because I find group settings really uncomfortable. Having to show up alone, walk up to a random group already deep in conversation, trying to remember everyone’s names… It makes me very anxious. However, finding people with common interests at Meetups is very convenient. The groups get super niche-y (is that a word?) [nope] and so it’s easy to find your type of crowd. I would suggest finding one friend to bring with you so it helps bridge the gap and ease your anxiety.
Facebook groups
No offense to my mom, but this makes me think of my mom [100%]. I legitimately never get on Facebook… however, think of Meetup but with the chance of finding an acquaintance you already vaguely know [couple degrees of separation is a good thing… you can vet them]. This can be great if it’s an old friend from high school – or could be terrible if it’s an old enemy from high school – only one way to find out!
What other option do you all know of for meeting cool people? Besides our amazing community, that is 😉
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