Making Friends / How to Meet New People / Lesson 35

LESSON 35 · HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE

The One-New-Person-a-Week Goal

Twelve ways to meet one new person a week, a goal small enough to keep and big enough to change your life.

Fifty-two new people a year is a lot of friends in the making. It starts with one a week.

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

Make the goal simple

One new person a week is easy to remember and doable even on a busy week.

TRY THIS
Write your goal on a sticky note.

TIP 2

Pick a regular day

Choosing Thursdays or Saturdays turns it into a habit.

TRY THIS
Mark the day in your calendar.

TIP 3

Choose likely places

Classes, cafes, events and online groups give plenty of people.

TRY THIS
List three places for this month.

TIP 4

Learn a name and a fact

It makes the next hello easy and warm.

TRY THIS
Write both in your notes.

TIP 5

Count any real chat

A two-minute talk with a new name counts. Do not set the bar too high.

TRY THIS
Decide what counts.

TIP 6

Follow up when you can

A message or hello next time strengthens the link.

TRY THIS
Send one follow-up this week.

TIP 7

Add variety

Meet different types of people for a richer circle.

TRY THIS
Try a new setting each month.

TIP 8

Share the goal

Tell a friend so they can cheer you on.

TRY THIS
Message a friend your goal.

TIP 9

Allow quiet weeks

If a week is hard, aim for a hello.

TRY THIS
Keep a smaller backup goal.

TIP 10

Review monthly

See who became a friend and who did not. Spend time where it feels good.

TRY THIS
Review at month end.

TIP 11

Script: introducing yourself with a goal

Say I am trying to meet one new person a week, and today it is you. It is honest, light and often makes people smile.

TRY THIS
Use it once.

TIP 12

Script: asking someone to coffee

After a good chat, say I have enjoyed talking, would you like to grab a coffee sometime? Offer a day.

TRY THIS
Ask once this week.

TIP 13

Script: asking for contact details

Say I would love to continue this chat, can I get your number? Keep it friendly.

TRY THIS
Ask kindly.

TIP 14

Mistake: counting only deep conversations

A two-minute chat counts. Setting the bar too high leads to quitting.

TRY THIS
Decide what counts.

TIP 15

Mistake: forgetting the follow-up

Meeting someone once rarely creates a friendship. A short message does.

TRY THIS
Message within two days.

TIP 16

If your week is too busy

Aim for a hello rather than skipping altogether. Keep the habit alive.

TRY THIS
Do a minimal version.

TIP 17

If you meet no one new

Change the place or time. Different settings bring different people.

TRY THIS
Try a new setting.

TIP 18

If you feel shy

Start with people in service roles or in classes. Build up slowly.

TRY THIS
Choose an easy setting.

TIP 19

If you feel rejected

One cool response is not a pattern. Try again next week.

TRY THIS
Say it is fine.

TIP 20

Drill: a monthly tally

Count the new people at month end. Seeing the number grows motivation.

TRY THIS
Create a tally.

TIP 21

Drill: four types of place

Meet one person in a class, one at a cafe, one at an event and one online. Variety widens your circle.

TRY THIS
Try each.

TIP 22

Drill: meet someone older or younger

Different ages bring fresh views. Include them.

TRY THIS
Chat with one.

TIP 23

Use your workplace

A colleague you barely know counts. Ask them about their weekend.

TRY THIS
Greet one.

TIP 24

Use your neighbourhood

Neighbours are new people too. Say hello at the door.

TRY THIS
Greet one.

TIP 25

Use hobbies

A person at your hobby group you have not met counts. Say hello.

TRY THIS
Introduce yourself.

TIP 26

Use friends

Ask a friend to introduce you. It is the easiest way.

TRY THIS
Ask one.

TIP 27

Use community events

Fairs and markets are full of new faces. Go.

TRY THIS
Visit one.

TIP 28

Use online groups

Join a local group and meet one person in person. Be safe.

TRY THIS
Meet in public.

TIP 29

Write it down

A note of names and details helps. Keep it simple.

TRY THIS
Start a list.

TIP 30

Share your goal

Tell a friend, who may introduce you to someone. Accountability helps.

TRY THIS
Tell one.

TIP 31

Celebrate week four

After four weeks, celebrate. You met four people.

TRY THIS
Plan a treat.

TIP 32

Review at month end

Which meetings felt best? Do more of those.

TRY THIS
Write three lines.

TIP 33

Keep it going

One a week is easy to keep. Continue.

TRY THIS
Set a reminder.

Easy things to say

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

HELLO

“Hi, I do not think we have met, I am Sam.”

ASK

“What brings you here?”

SHARE

“I am trying to meet one new person each week.”

FOLLOW

“It was great to meet you, shall we chat again?”

CLOSE

“Enjoy the rest of your day.”

THANKS

“Thanks for the chat.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Decide your weekly day

DAY 2
Pick a place to meet someone

DAY 3
Introduce yourself to one new person

DAY 4
Learn one fact about them

DAY 5
Note their name

DAY 6
Send a friendly follow-up if you can

DAY 7
Plan next week’s person

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.