How to meet people for free ?
Having a busy schedule and being shy by nature can sometimes be an obstacle to meeting new people. Instead of letting your schedule or discretion get in the way of your social life, take the initiative to meet new people.
1. Approach people while shopping. Your weekly shopping list probably includes a trip to the grocery store, a stop to fill up at the gas station or a trip to the pharmacy. While these tasks may seem mundane, they're good opportunities to chat with people you don't know who are interesting. The next time you're standing in line or walking down the same aisle as someone else, make an effort to walk up to them.
Make it your goal to talk to a number of new people every time you go out. For example, try to say at least "hello" to three new people every time you go shopping.
Don't feel like you have to carry on a big conversation, just say "hello" and ask the person you don't know a few basic questions to get started. If they are interested in you and you get along well, the conversation will flow naturally.
2. Take public transportation. Getting to work or school is something you have to do in every way. By using public transportation, you kill two birds with one stone. Sitting or standing next to a stranger on the bus, train or subway is a good opportunity to start chatting. Plus, if you meet someone whose company is pleasant, chances are they regularly take the same public transportation as you. This means that you have the opportunity to see them often.
3. Work away from home. If you have homework or work to do or just feel like reading a book, try to do it in a public place rather than at home. Head to a nearby park, camp and hang out with others who are doing the same thing as you. If you are sharing an activity with a stranger who is standing next to you, strike up a conversation with them about the activity.
4. Reach out to strangers you frequently pass. Isn't there someone in class or at work that you've never spoken to? You must have missed a great opportunity to meet someone. Approach that person you see often and start talking to them. This will remove the "stranger" label you have.
5. Talk to other people at gatherings. If you're already planning to go to a gathering or party hosted by a friend or family member, decide not to go unnoticed. While you may know many or most of the people there, come out of your shell and talk to those you don't know.
6. Find new places to work out. If you're walking, running, or biking, try changing locations. Just walking your dog in a park is an easy way to meet people. Exercise in a public place to get to know other people who are also there to work out.
7. Go to a library or bookstore. Browsing the same shelves as someone else is one of the best ways to strike up a conversation. If you're a literature buff and like to go to the library or bookstores, take the opportunity to pick up new books and social books.
8. Go to a free concert. Many cities offer free concerts by great bands. If you like music, find others who share your tastes at a free concert. Go a little early and don't go home right away so you can talk about the concert with other fans.
9. Volunteer for a band you love. If you have a passion for an activity or organization, help others and take the opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you. Volunteer regularly for local programs and you'll meet a lot of new people for free.
10. Join a club. Even if you were never the type to join a club in high school or college, there's nothing stopping you now! Join a local club that interests you, a running club, a book club, a sports club, whatever catches your eye. These gatherings are full of people who have something in common with you, so conversation will be easier.
11. Attend a sporting event near you. Whether it's a game with your high school team or a professional game, there are plenty of new people to meet at sporting events. Local high schools often offer free admission to games and the benches are filled with fans. Discussing the game is a great way to start a conversation.
12. Join a local team. If just watching sports competitions isn't enough for you, join a local sports team. You'll get physical exercise and have fun and meet people of both sexes. Check your area for activities that are short on members and sign up!
13. Attend free seminars. Seminars are great for several reasons: they teach you tons of useful information, are free, and also give you the opportunity to get to know a lot of like-minded people. Check to see if any stores, universities or businesses in your area are holding seminars that might interest you. Staying after the event to discuss it is a great way to meet people.
14. Attend a religious gathering. If you're a spiritual person or part of a religious group, take advantage of this. Go to a new church (or temple) or attend a large gathering near you. Sharing beliefs with others should make it easier for you to reach out to them. Plus, you know you have more affinity with these people than with anyone you meet on the street.
15. Try dancing. Free dance classes are all the rage these days and many people flock to these sessions. Try a swing or square dance class in your area or go to a club where people dance anyway. If you're bold enough to dance in public, you're probably bold enough to approach the people you dance with.