Making Connections, Part 2: Where to Meet People in Real Life
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
So, you’ve got the right mindset. Now where do you actually meet people?
Dating apps have their place, but if you’re tired of swiping, there are two types of alternatives to try: structured environments and everyday opportunities.
Structured Environments
These are places where people come together for a shared purpose — which makes conversation easier because you already have something in common.
Classes and workshops
Is there anything you’ve been meaning to learn or try? Consider ceramics, improv, cooking, dance, fitness, or a foreign language.Volunteering
Serving meals at a food bank or helping at a community event attracts people who care about giving back. That built-in sense of purpose makes small talk feel more natural.Book clubs or discussion groups
These gatherings are literally designed around conversation!Speed dating and singles mixers
I’m going to assume most of you are reading this because you don’t like this option or don’t want to try it. For the rest of you, these are making a comeback!
The benefit of structured environments is everyone’s already there to engage. You don’t have to make up a reason to start talking.
Everyday Opportunities
Connection doesn’t always require blocking off your calendar for an event. Some of the best opportunities are part of your daily life.
Coffee shops
A simple “That looks like an interesting book — what’s it about?” can be a good start. Even if the conversation is brief, you’ve flexed that connection muscle.Dog parks
Pets are natural icebreakers. “How old is your dog?” or “Where’d you get your dog?” are rarely dead-end questions. And even if they are, they’re perfectly common questions.Grocery stores or farmers markets
These are innocuous places to strike up small talk, like “Have you tried these before?” while pointing at Neptune peaches or a fancy brie.
These everyday spaces work because they’re familiar and repeatable. You’ll often see the same people again, which helps turn a single interaction into a pattern.
How to Start Talking Without It Feeling Forced
Notice what’s around you. The book they’re reading, the event you’re both attending, or the dog they’re walking can all be natural openers.
Keep it short. A light comment (“I like your hat!”) or question (“What drink did you order?”) can test the waters.
Look for cues. If they respond warmly, keep going. If not, smile and move on.
Closing Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your life to meet people. Add in small, approachable opportunities — a class here, a quick comment at the café there. Connection often grows out of repeated, genuine moments, not grand gestures.
Making Connections is an ongoing series about where and how to meet people, move beyond small talk, and build real relationships.
Next up in this series: Part 3: How to Go Beyond Small Talk.
