How do I make adult friends outside of work?

[LaylaAT]

I just moved here and I'm trying to put myself out there, but I'm realizing I don't actually know how people make friends as an adult outside of work. Do you just start talking to someone at the grocery store? The whole process feels a bit awkward.

[JeffreyJ]

I moved here last year too. I joined a weekend pickup basketball group and a tiny hiking circle. First week I mostly listened, by week two I swapped numbers and we grabbed coffee after a hike. Not flawless, but it happened.

[IsabellaJG]

I tried striking up chats in the grocery line once and felt silly. The cashier looked busy and I faded into the background. Nothing came of it, but it reminded me that casual talk is risky.

[DonaldBR]

I keep wondering if the problem is the venue or just being brave enough to say hi. Maybe I’m overthinking what counts as a real connection.

[Luke.W]

I did get derailed by a false start last month. I volunteered at a community garden on Saturdays, and that actually got me a few people to chat with who were also new. Not sure what I’m trying to prove here, but showing up somewhere regular helped drift the fear a little.