How to Make Friends in New York as an Adult?

People move into the city all the time, and most often, by themselves. If this is you and you're wondering how to make friends as an adult, here's some advice.

Photo: Unsplash

Bumble BFF

Bumble BFF is a friend-finding app that is designed to help you make new friends in your area. While it's on the same platform as Bumble Date, which is a dating app, Bumble BFF is strictly platonic, so you can be sure that you are only connecting with people who are looking for friends.

Aside from the goal of joining the app, nothing else changes in how you use it. Once you have created your profile, you can start swiping through potential matches. If you both swipe right on each other, you will be able to start a conversation. There are fun prompts that help you start a conversation with your matches, which makes it easier. As of right now, you can only see people who identify with your same gender. This might change based on your profile.

Bumble BFF has a number of features that make it a great way to make new friends. First, the app is designed to be safe and respectful. All users are required to verify their identity, and there are a number of safety features in place to protect users. Second, the app is very easy to use. The interface is simple and intuitive, and you can start making friends quickly and easily. Third, the app has a large user base, so you are sure to find people who share your interests.

Create a Routine

Creating a routine is a clever way of making friends because it's highly possible that the people you encounter every day share that same routine. The first step is to identify your interests. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Once you know what you're interested in, you can start looking for activities that will allow you to meet people who share your interests. Maybe it's a yoga class in the weekdays or a pottery workshop every Saturday. If you're into fitness, doing fitness classes, joining a gym, or running with one of the city's many clubs will give you the chance to make friends.

Once you've found some activities that you enjoy and that allow you to meet new people, be sure to be open to meeting new people and putting yourself out there. It takes time to build new friendships, but if you're patient and persistent, you'll eventually find your tribe.

Join a Book Club

Book clubs are a great way to meet new people and make friends in New York City. They're a low-pressure way to connect with people who share your interests, and they can provide a regular opportunity to socialize and build relationships. Not to mention, it doesn't matter how old or young you are, book clubs bring people of different backgrounds together with a shared interest.

If you do decide to join a book club, be sure to be prepared for the meetings. This means reading the book ahead of time and coming up with some thoughts and questions to share. This is important to show respect to the club, but also to give others the chance to get to know you. Maybe something you said resonates with another member, and that helps you strike a conversation after the club that ends with coffee or plans to meet up outside of the club.

Go to Bars Alone

I bet this sounds like a turn off, but hear me out. It all comes down to choosing the right bar. Not all bars are created equal when it comes to making friends. If you're looking to meet people who share your interests, try to find a bar that caters to your specific interests. For example, if you're into live music, look for a bar that hosts regular shows. If you're into sports, look for a bar that shows games. This approach can be helpful too if you're looking to make queer friends. There are many queer bars in New York, and you'll find plenty of people who go by themselves.

Start by talking to the bartender. The bartender is a great way to meet new people, just make sure to strike a conversation that feels organic and not obtrusive. Don't try to get their attention too much, especially if it's busy. If you sit at the bar by yourself, chances are the bartender will eventually strike up a conversation.

When you're sitting at the bar, it's also easy to strike up a conversation with other people. Maybe someone's looking for ideas on what drinks to order, and you can be that resource. Or there are people who also sit alone at the bar, and if they're open to it, you can get them involved.

---

Did you enjoy this article? Then you should follow MUD on Instagram to get more content like this.