Home / Making Friends / How to Join Groups
Find a Place Where You Belong.
40 lessons · 6 themes · practical tips in every lesson
Choose the right group, walk in calmly and become a valued member.
THEME 1 · 7 LESSONS
Choose the Right Group
Pick places where you will thrive.
LESSON 01
Why Groups Beat One-on-One for Making Friends
LESSON 02
Interest Groups That Work
LESSON 03
Local Clubs and Community Groups
LESSON 04
Online Groups That Lead to Real Meet-Ups
LESSON 05
Sports, Games and Creative Groups
LESSON 06
Groups for Introverts
LESSON 07
Try Three Before You Choose One
THEME 2 · 7 LESSONS
Walk In Calmly
Your first visit made easy.
LESSON 08
Check the Group Beforehand
LESSON 09
Contact the Organiser First
LESSON 10
Arrive Early, Meet Early Birds
LESSON 11
Take a Friend for the First Visit
LESSON 12
What to Wear and What to Bring
LESSON 13
Plan Your First Three Sentences
LESSON 14
Give Yourself Permission to Leave
THEME 3 · 7 LESSONS
Break Into the Circle
Join conversations that are already happening.
LESSON 15
How to Join a Group Conversation
LESSON 16
Find the Person Who Is Standing Alone
LESSON 17
Ask the Organiser for an Introduction
LESSON 18
Offer to Help Set Up
LESSON 19
Ask Questions to Learn the Group Culture
LESSON 20
Use Group Activities as Icebreakers
LESSON 21
Stay for the After-Event Chat
THEME 4 · 7 LESSONS
Become a Valued Member
Move from newcomer to regular.
LESSON 22
Show Up Consistently
LESSON 23
Remember Names and Stories
LESSON 24
Volunteer for Small Roles
LESSON 25
Contribute Ideas Gently
LESSON 26
Welcome Newcomers Yourself
LESSON 27
Celebrate Group Wins
LESSON 28
Follow Up With People Between Meetings
THEME 5 · 6 LESSONS
Handle Group Challenges
Cliques, shyness and difficult people.
LESSON 29
What to Do When a Group Feels Cliquey
LESSON 30
Handle Being the Newest Person
LESSON 31
Handle a Difficult Member
LESSON 32
When You Feel Left Out
LESSON 33
Know When a Group Is Not Right
LESSON 34
Leave a Group Without Drama
THEME 6 · 6 LESSONS
Turn Group Friends Into Close Friends
Go beyond the weekly meeting.
LESSON 35
Invite One Person for Coffee After Group
LESSON 36
Organise a Small Spin-Off Meet-Up
LESSON 37
Start Your Own Group
LESSON 38
Host a Gathering at Your Place
LESSON 39
Keep the Group Chat Alive
LESSON 40
Your Group Plan
Ideas in this topic come from
- The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker)
- Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
- Together (Vivek Murthy)
- Quiet (Susan Cain)
Tips are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
