Making Friends / How to Meet New People / Lesson 26

LESSON 26 · HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE

Make Friends Through Hobbies

Eleven ways to make friends through hobbies, where common interest does the heavy lifting.

Hobbies put you next to people who care about the same thing. Conversation comes more easily.

33 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

33 tips that really help

These ideas come from Platonic (Marisa Franco), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Shared interest does the talking

Whether it is painting, chess or gardening, people love to talk about what they care about. You never run out of topics.

TRY THIS
Choose one hobby to share with others.

TIP 2

Find local groups

Search clubs, libraries, community boards and online communities for meetups. Many welcome beginners.

TRY THIS
Look up two groups near you.

TIP 3

Go as a beginner

Saying I am new at this invites help and friendly advice. People enjoy teaching newcomers.

TRY THIS
Say I am new at your first session.

TIP 4

Ask for tips

A request for a small tip is a flattering way to start a chat. Most hobbyists love to share what they know.

TRY THIS
Ask one person for a tip.

TIP 5

Offer help in return

Share a tip, a tool or a pattern. Friendship is give and take, even in a hobby group.

TRY THIS
Offer one useful suggestion.

TIP 6

Bring something to share

A snack, a book or a sample gives people a reason to talk and shows thoughtfulness.

TRY THIS
Bring a small item to share.

TIP 7

Suggest practising together

Setting a time to practise turns an acquaintance into a friend. It is easy to say yes to a shared hobby.

TRY THIS
Suggest a practice session.

TIP 8

Show your work

Sharing a photo or project invites compliments and conversation. Good groups cheer each other on.

TRY THIS
Post one piece in the group chat.

TIP 9

Join workshops

Short workshops give focused time with the same people. They are great for building bonds quickly.

TRY THIS
Sign up for one next month.

TIP 10

Keep it fun

Friendship thrives on enjoyment, so keep the pressure low. Focus on the activity first and the friendships follow.

TRY THIS
Enjoy the hobby for its own sake.

TIP 11

Pick a hobby you already love

You will keep showing up if you enjoy the activity itself. Friends become a happy side effect of doing something you care about.

TRY THIS
Write your top three hobbies.

TIP 12

Search for hobby meetups

Libraries, community centres, shops and meetup sites list groups for knitting, chess, birdwatching and more. A short search reveals many.

TRY THIS
Look up two groups near you.

TIP 13

Go to a beginners’ session

Beginners’ sessions are full of people who are new and open to meeting others. Nobody expects you to know much.

TRY THIS
Book a beginner slot.

TIP 14

Bring your own project

Showing a project invites questions and compliments. It gives people something to say.

TRY THIS
Bring a piece to show.

TIP 15

Ask experienced members for advice

People love to share what they know. A question about technique starts friendly chat.

TRY THIS
Ask one expert a question.

TIP 16

Offer a helping hand

Sharing a tool or holding something for someone creates goodwill. It also shows you are kind.

TRY THIS
Offer help.

TIP 17

Share resources

Recommending a book, a video or a shop is generous. It builds reciprocity.

TRY THIS
Share one tip.

TIP 18

Join the group chat

A group chat keeps the conversation going between sessions. Say hello when you join.

TRY THIS
Post a friendly message.

TIP 19

Attend special events

Shows, competitions and workshops bring the group together. Go to them when you can.

TRY THIS
Mark one event.

TIP 20

Set a shared project

A group project such as a mural or a quiz team gives purpose. Shared goals bond people.

TRY THIS
Suggest an idea.

TIP 21

Compliment good work

Notice what others do well and say so. Praise builds warmth.

TRY THIS
Give one compliment.

TIP 22

Make something for someone

A small handmade gift shows care. People remember it.

TRY THIS
Plan one.

TIP 23

Host a mini session at home

Invite two group members to practise at your place. It deepens friendships.

TRY THIS
Offer your space.

TIP 24

Teach a skill

Showing someone a technique makes you valued. Offer a ten-minute lesson.

TRY THIS
Prepare one.

TIP 25

Learn from different generations

Hobby groups often mix ages. Enjoy the variety.

TRY THIS
Chat with someone older or younger.

TIP 26

Take photos

Sharing pictures of the group builds memories. Ask permission first.

TRY THIS
Take one.

TIP 27

Join online forums too

Online groups keep you connected and can lead to meetups. Participate kindly.

TRY THIS
Join one.

TIP 28

Share a friendly competition

Light challenges, such as a weekly puzzle, are fun. Keep it kind.

TRY THIS
Suggest one.

TIP 29

Celebrate milestones

A birthday of the group or a completed project calls for cake. Join in.

TRY THIS
Bring something sweet.

TIP 30

Be patient with beginners

Remember how you felt at first. Kindness is welcome.

TRY THIS
Encourage a newcomer.

TIP 31

Respect the group’s culture

Each group has its own style. Observe before you change things.

TRY THIS
Listen first.

TIP 32

Stay consistent

Showing up weekly is the secret. Keep it going.

TRY THIS
Mark your calendar.

TIP 33

Invite someone outside the group

Suggest a coffee or a walk. Friendships grow beyond the activity.

TRY THIS
Invite one person.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

ASK

“How did you get into this?”

SHARE

“I am fairly new to this, so I would love tips.”

COMPLIMENT

“That is a really clever technique.”

INVITE

“Want to practise together this weekend?”

PLAN

“Let us swap tips next week.”

THANKS

“Thanks for showing me that.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
List two hobbies you enjoy

DAY 2
Find a group for each

DAY 3
Attend one session

DAY 4
Ask one person for a tip

DAY 5
Offer a tip in return

DAY 6
Plan a practice together

DAY 7
Join the group chat

Further reading

• Platonic (Marisa Franco)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.