How/Where do you meet new people?

[ButterflyKisses]

I know it might sound silly but over the past couple of years I have noticed that as everyone in my friendship groups is approaching 30 people seem to be going their separate ways with different priorities (relationships,kids,jobs etc and then those who still think they are 18 years old!)

I have a partner of 3 years,no children (DP has 2 kids from previous relationship) and would be interested to know of where people would suggest meeting new people and how they start up a conversation with any potential new friends?!

Maybe through shared interests? And it's easier to get talking to people if you're doing something together, whether that's some sort of sporting club, or book group, or art class, or whatever you're interested in. Hubby and I have also both made close friends through work.

Marks place.

Sorry OP, no suggestions but would like to read the responses.

My family and I moved to the UK, leaving behind the friends we had had when our DC were growing up and I agree that it is very hard to make new friends. I had made friends in the past a lot through school activities and play groups etc. BUT since we got a dog, about 6 years ago I discovered dogwalkers, who, on the whole, are really, really nice people. Somehow having that common interest in our 4 legged friends means that invariably a visit to the park involves chatting with fellow owners. And often those conversations are about all sorts of things, not just their animals.
Incidentally, we tried quite a few churches in various our moves, and I'm afraid to say that dog walkers have proved to be far friendlier and more inclusive than the people we met there. Sad but true, in our experience. I wish we had got a dog much sooner than we did, actually.

work
church?
hobbies, whatever floats your boat

tis vv hard

The Labour Party.
Girl Guiding UK.
Choir.

Worked for me.

Have a look on gumtree, meetup etc and see if there are any community groups you can get involved in. For me its knitting groups, gym classes, church and old work colleagues (and their friends).

I met most of my friends through church.

The way I meet new people is to join things, - clubs and hobbies I'm interested in - so in my case I do yoga, keep fit, and go to a couple of different art groups, a book club and a couple of groups/charities to do with a medical condition I have.

And I find one of the best ways to make friends is to offer to help and get involved, - so I'll always offer to help with getting out tables and equipment, with making coffees and washing up afterwards etc. - or with any other jobs that need doing (selling raffles tickets etc etc.) - you always get talking to people that way. And I ask people about themselves, I'm very nosey interested in other people but I'm naturally a quiet person, so I'm happy to listen while they talk, and just make the odd appropriate comment.

Oh and I always introduce myself and start conversations - 'hello I'm KK, how long have you been coming here, etc.' - just chit chat but I think a lot of people are a bit hesitant or shy to make the first move, so I do it now, - and no one's ever said 'push off!'

I think if you are kind and helpful and interested in others, it doesn't matter if you are a bit shy, - you can be quiet but still friendly and as you get to know people, you gain confidence.