Music Meetup
There was a concert I really wanted to go to, but I didn’t dare go alone. I found the event on Facebook and commented asking who’s coming from Újpest. Several people replied, we met at the metro, and went to the metal concert together. Afterwards, we grabbed a drink and talked about how great it was. A month later, we went to see a rock band together again. That simple comment at 32 became the start of my friend circle.
City Stroll
Joining a guided city walk is a fantastic way to explore and meet new people.
Village Life
I moved from the city to a small village and after a while missed company. I posted in the local Facebook group that I’d be at the corner pub Friday night and invited anyone interested to join. That was all it took—now I have friends in the village.
New Skills
I met two girls in an astrology class who share not only my interests but also a similar vibe. They’re spiritual like me and into esoteric stuff. One encouraged us to try a tarot workshop, where we made another new friend.
Travel
I love traveling and enjoy going solo, but eventually, I realized sharing the experience is better. I joined travel buddy groups and highly recommend them. Spending one or two weeks with a group—many of whom also traveled alone—makes it almost impossible not to make at least one friend on the trip.
Meeting New People
I found new friends through an "experience-based" dating program. There are board game dates, bike dates, and more. I felt most at home at a foodie date where we cooked in small groups. I ended up in a group with two guys and two other women. No romantic sparks flew, but we laughed so much that we decided to keep this "quintet" going. We still meet every couple of months—sometimes at someone’s place, sometimes at a restaurant—and just chat for hours. This group became a true safe space where we can share anything, knowing our secrets are safe.
Neighbors
I moved to a small building with eight apartments where meetings are intimate and friendly. We’ve organized group gardening, outdoor cooking, and bonfires. Our neighbors include a lawyer, a handyman, a family with three kids, a sweet elderly lady, a young couple, a middle-aged couple, an older gentleman, and me. At Christmas, we draw names and exchange gifts, and no one spends Christmas Eve alone—we gather at someone’s place. Some just pop in for a toast, others stay all night. I love this little micro-community.
Volunteering with a Song
Volunteering pulled me out of depression when I felt so lonely I thought I’d break. When you think no one needs you, find an event—like trash pickup, food distribution, or blood donation support—and join in. It gave my life purpose and community, and I found friends there.
Nature
I love hiking but it’s less fun alone, so I looked for people to hike with. Social media groups organize hikes (even singles-only meetups), and many nature clubs are active online. I’m shy, so it took three hikes to open up, but now I have a steady group of seven friends we even go to the movies or have barbecues together.
Exercise
Gyms might seem cliché, but I found two great friends there. One of us was terrible at step aerobics, so we laughed it off and grabbed protein shakes at the fitness bar after class. That became a habit, and now we hang out outside the gym too. I met the other girl by the machines—she was a pro and helped me out. She’s been super kind and supportive ever since, and that’s how we became friends.
Furry Friends
Got a dog? Making friends is a breeze—there are plenty of other dog lovers to walk your pets with and chat. No dog? Volunteer at an animal shelter instead.
