Preferably in real life and without religion or alcohol.
The core is basically this.
- Go where the humans are. Do so on a regular basis. It doesn’t really matter where, so long as it’s a place where a) socialization is not actively discouraged, and b) people are likely to show up more than once.
- Talk to as many humans as possible until you find humans you click with.
- Bring other people into the fold as you meet them.
There are environments that make this easier - hobby groups, certain ‘scenes’ in your area (music, art, etc.), volunteer organizations, etc. - but you can start the work pretty much anywhere humans congregate.
Are there any hobbiest groups re: digital art or adjacent activities in your area (zine making socials always sounded pretty fun)? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try that’s on offer as a group event? Start there, talk to the humans, show up more than once and there’s a good chance you’ll be off to a good start.
…said the kettle.
I am also a kettle, but I figured I needed some motivation in my life to get to know more people. Moving from Norway to Bumfuck, Nowhere in Denmark has made it hard to make friends, but my wife and I got a puppy two weeks ago, and have signed him up for puppy training classes with other puppies. We’ll also use the dog park in the towns nearby to meet people. I think that’s a good way to meet people.
I’d also like to add that getting a puppy on a whim in NOT a good idea. We talked about this for years, and planned for months. My depression has gotten so much better, buy jesus christ, he can be a little hellspawn lol 😂
Dogs are great! People who like dogs - generally not the mean Pit Bulls, or Rottweiler types though - are good people. You can jog and hike with your dog. They are great conversation starters.
Note: Not saying Pits and Rots are mean but some people tend to get them because they want a dog perceived to be vicious and proceed to train them that way.I don’t have a dog, but seeing a happy dog is a sure way to brighten my day!
The dog park is an excellent choice, from what I’ve heard from dog owners. Between that, walkies forcing you to get out and moving regularly, and good ol’ fashioned companionship, dogs are just great in general, though certainly require a high level of commitment and care.
If you’re physically able, go somewhere people are willing to teach you something :) Try a climbing gym.
The first hurdle will be working up the courage to ask for advice (on a route, on equipment, about an event) and the next will be showing up often enough that you’re a recognizable part of the community.
In the meantime !dull_mens_club@lemmy.world
I decided to volunteer at the local railway museum, which then introduced me to the local model railway group, and now I am part of both and meeting many more people aswell. Both for getting out of the house, and meeting new people, it has been awesome not to mention the fun.
Find an activity you would like to do, preferably with people involved, and put yourself out there. Join a club that pertains to an interest. All good ways definitely.
A fellow Belle of the Ranch viewer in the wild, wonderful ✨️
I found one in community dance, specifically local folk dance. The median age is probably 65, so it’s adaptable to a wide range of athleticism levels, but it does require significant mobility.
I absolutely loved it until covid, and then I moved, but it was a wonderful group of people through whom I met dear friends, found a job offer, learned a bunch of things, and found a home.
Pretending you enjoy normie stuff like star wars or Axe throwing.
Meet up has a lot of groups with a variety of activities. You can find hiking, biking, swimming, reading, knitting, quilting, art of various forms, board game, DND, video game, canoeing, kayaking, trivia night, yoga, meditation, foodie, singles, couples, and ither groups to be part of.
I once went to a woodworking store to get supplies for one of my brief ADHD hobbies, and the guy there mentioned that they have classes and there were some carvings on display that people made. It sounded like a nice, small group of people and if I wasn’t so lazy and socially anxious I might’ve enjoyed joining.
Lemmy, but you never leave the house, society, but you never spend time at home.
Local ttrpg store
Look for a niche
Society, community… these are abstract terms. You cannot talk to them. The cannot love you.
Life happens when you meet people (not abstractions).
Well then, I guess if I were to rephrase the question, I’d ask:
Where are some places or contexts where you can find a group of 5-30 people who meet regularly, generally feel connected to one another, and won’t spend the whole time staring at their phones?
How about hobbies? If everyone in the group is passionate about fishing, knitting, model airplanes, flower bouquets, wood working, painting or something like that, you’ll have plenty to talk about. If you talk to people, and get to know them a little better, you’ll suddenly begin to feel more connected.
How does this codswallop have eight upvotes? OP asked a perfectly reasonable question and this is word salad.
Neo, you dingus.
Codswallop, dingus… these are abstract terms. You cannot argue with them. They cannot hate you.
Disagreements on the Internet happen when you argue with people (not abstractions).
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist)
Not sure if you mean without alcohol as in without you yourself needing to drink, or if you mean where do you find an entire community who doesn’t drink.
If you’re looking for athiest teetotallers, you’re already cutting out more than three quarters of people you’ll ever meet, so no wonder you may be finding it hard.
If you’re anywhere slightly populated, check out local festivals and street markets that get stood up on a regular schedule. Where I am there’s usually a weekly farmer’s market in a few cities nearby. If you want to volunteer to set-up or work at one they always have the most friendly, community-based people. You’ll have to not be anti-social for long enough to make friends with people, but normally it will be the same group who goes to every street festival and market, and you’ll recognize all the vendors and workers (who are chill people).
