If you’re feeling like your social circle could use a little expansion, you’re in the right place. Maybe you’ve moved to a new city, switched jobs, or just feel like the people you spend time with don’t quite align with who you are anymore. But figuring out how to meet new people as an adult can feel a bit… daunting. It’s not like you can just walk up to someone and ask them to be your friend (or, well, maybe you can—but it’s not exactly the norm).

Meeting new people doesn’t have to be intimidating or forced. It’s less about making grand gestures and more about finding little ways to connect with the world around you, right where you are. Whether you’re looking for casual acquaintances or deeper relationships, here are some practical, low-pressure ways to put yourself out there and meet new people without feeling overwhelmed.
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Follow Your Curiosity (And Let It Lead You to New People)
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The key to meeting new people often starts with following your interests and seeing where that takes you. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try or learn more about? Maybe it’s joining a local cycling group, taking a pottery class, or attending community events at your local library. When you’re doing something you’re naturally curious about, it’s easier to strike up conversations with others who are there for the same reason.

For example, maybe you’ve been dying to get back into yoga. Instead of just going once, commit to attending a regular class each week. Over time, you’ll start to recognize familiar faces—and that’s the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to someone. Conversations flow more easily when you’ve got a shared experience, and you never know which small interaction could spark a new friendship.
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Dive Into Local Groups and Clubs (You’ll Be Surprised How Many Are Out There)
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These days, there’s a local group or club for just about everything. Love running? There’s probably a run club near you. Obsessed with food? Look for local foodies on Instagram who organize tasting events. Whether it’s a book club, a trivia night, or even a casual hiking meetup, people are constantly coming together over shared interests. All you have to do is find a group that clicks with you.

Social media is a goldmine for discovering these local meetups. Try searching on Instagram or TikTok for things like “Chicago hiking group” or “Portland book club” to see what’s happening near you. These are easy, low-pressure ways to dip your toes into meeting new people who already have a shared interest—and who knows, you might discover a new hobby along the way.
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Look for Connection in the Everyday
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You don’t have to go to a formal event or join a club to meet new people. Some of the best connections come from everyday moments, like chatting with the person next to you in line at your favorite coffee shop, or striking up a conversation with your neighbor while walking the dog. These moments might seem small, but they can lead to deeper connections if you stay open to them.

Start by being intentional about putting yourself in places where interaction happens naturally. If you go to the same coffee shop every morning, try saying hello to the other regulars. Or, if you’ve been eyeing a local farmers market or outdoor event, make a point of showing up and engaging with the people around you. When you open yourself up to the possibility of connection, you’ll be surprised at how often it presents itself.
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Find Comfort in Casual Conversations
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One of the biggest hurdles to meeting new people as an adult is the pressure to make every conversation mean something. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to have small talk. In fact, small talk is often the gateway to bigger, more meaningful conversations.

Instead of diving into deep discussions right away, keep it light. Ask how someone’s day is going, talk about something you’re both experiencing (like the class you’re in or the event you’re attending), or just compliment them on something they’re wearing. These little interactions may seem insignificant, but they build familiarity and comfort, which can lead to deeper connections over time.
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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
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Meeting new people as an adult often requires stepping out of your routine and embracing a little bit of discomfort. It’s easy to fall into familiar patterns, hanging out with the same group of people or sticking to solo activities. But if you really want to expand your social circle, you need to break that routine and try something new.

That might mean signing up for a class where you don’t know anyone, attending a meetup group where you’re a little unsure of what to expect, or simply initiating a conversation with someone you’ve been too shy to approach. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real growth—and connection—happens.
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Practice in a Safe, Supportive Space with Kinship
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If the idea of meeting new people in person feels a little overwhelming, or if you just need a confidence boost before stepping out into the real world, Kinship is the perfect place to start. Kinship is a virtual space where you can practice connecting with others in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Here’s how Kinship can help you meet new people:

A relaxed environment. Since Kinship sessions are virtual, you can join from the comfort of your home, making it easier to practice meeting new people without the pressure of face-to-face interactions.

Real people, real conversations. The great thing about Kinship is that everyone’s there for the same reason—to connect. You’ll meet people who are also looking to expand their social circles, and it’s a great way to practice conversation skills.

Build confidence for real-world interactions. After spending time connecting with people virtually, you’ll feel more prepared and confident to step into real-life situations. Kinship gives you the chance to practice without any judgment, so you can feel ready when it’s time to meet people in person.

Practical tips for building connections. Kinship sessions also provide real, actionable advice for transitioning those virtual connections into real-world friendships. You’ll leave feeling empowered to take the next step in meeting new people.
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You Deserve to Find Your People
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Meeting new people doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated—it’s about finding little ways to connect with the world around you. Whether you’re striking up casual conversations, diving into local events, or practicing virtually with Kinship, you’re taking steps toward building meaningful connections.

Join us at Kinship to start building confidence, making connections, and finding your people—one conversation at a time.

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