TL;DR
Meeting people for free is very simple. It can be done anywhere and it’s more about your vibe and body language. Be calm, cool, comfortable and don’t look for anything back in return. You want to have fun and get people feeling comfortable around you. Aim for a genuine connection.
It Starts With Your Mindset
You must have the proper mindset. Be interested in wanting to meet new people. Go into it for the sake of meeting new people. Not wanting anything back in return. Examples include hanging around hoping to get the persons phone number, them to purchase you a food or drink item, etc.
When you are calm, confident, chilled, it may show you have a good, busy life and this mindset should help reduce or eliminate the fear of meeting new people.
Before we continue, there’s something you must remember.
No matter how good your approach and body language come across, there WILL be people who don’t want to be bothered. Everyone you approach, majority may respond positively or might not be interested at all. That’s fine. Nothing to do with you.
If you can handle potential rejection, you will be in good shape.
Wayne Gretzky had an old saying.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Where Do You Meet People For Free?
Go For A Walk
In a safe area it can be easy to say hi to a random stranger while passing by them. The more you do this, the easier it will become. Saying hi to someone with them responding back positively is a great feeling. When that happens don’t put too much focus into it and continue on with your day.
Volunteering Is Another Great Option
Volunteering is a great and easy way to meet new people. The people you are volunteering with are passionate about the same cause you are. Most of the time at least. Makes it easier to get along and connect with. On top of that the people you are helping, serving or selling things to are more open to chatting because they are there to support the cause.
Sit Outside And Read An Interesting Book
If you live in a house, sit out in the front and enjoy a good book. You have no idea how many neighbors passed by saying hi or strangers passed by with me greeting them.
Sometimes they might ask what you’re reading and how the book is. Other times I mention something casually to them. With this you are not looking for anything back in return. You just want to engage and bring happiness into their lives.
Take It Up A Notch! Choose the most random book you can find. Make sure the title/cover is very random and noticeable!
Had A Great Experience Using MeetUp.com
I used this website well over 10 years ago. Can’t give updates on how it is today. Story below is based on my previous experience.
Back then I was in my shy phase and looking to go out and meet new people. Some groups on this website I checked out. Overall seemed okay. Nothing special. But there was one which I joined and attended the Friday night meetups.
Person was a young adult who owned her own dance studio. Here I met some cool people who I kept in contact with for years afterwards. For the meetups we did movie nights, game nights, etc. It was a lot of fun. These get togethers were happening for a few months then stopped.
Later in the future I heard the host of the group did these get togethers because she was looking for a special guy to marry and start a family with. Overall from my experience. The website had potential.
There was another group hosted by a male who lived near me. I tried joining but was declined.
If you try the website, search for groups which cater to your interests and desires. Scan deeply as well.
Use your gut to decide whether one seems like a good fit for you. I only say this because things have changed a lot from over 10 years ago to now.
Attend Events
Festivals, Parades, Marathons, Venues like Arenas or Stadiums. You’re all there for the same reason. To see a specific group or performer. Person or group of people next to you may be open to chatting in relation to the event you are at. Not as easy to do all depending on their personality types.
Book Club
If you’re a big fan of reading, book clubs may work for you. Engage with others on the books you are all reading.
Farmers Market
Visit a farmers market. You don’t even have to buy anything. You can to support small business. Ask questions about the things they are selling.
Dog Park
If you have a dog this is an easy one. You’re out walking your dog and approach another person who’s walking their dog. Guess what will happen?
Dogs will start barking at each other to show who’s the dominate one. From there strike a conversation with the person.
Gym
This is a tricky one. Many at the gym don’t want to be interrupted when working out. Others love to socialize. And then there are those who only go to get pictures taken for their social media accounts. This is what I’ve heard recently.
You’re already paying for your gym membership to work out and keep fit. So use the opportunity to meet more people-possible workout buddies is a bonus.
More Places To Meet New People
Public Libraries – Book Clubs, Writing Circles, Language Exchange Groups
Community Centers – Check their bulletin board or website to see what they have going on.
Apps For Your Local Area – Use apps like Nextdoor to find activities happening right in your area.
Common Hobbies/Interests
Run Clubs, Fitness Groups, Board Game Nights, Clean-up Events, Food Banks/Kitchens
Special Events – Search online for special events in your area.
Meetup.com – Search for ‘free’ in the filters.
Bumble BFF – Swipe based app for friendship.
Eventbrite – Filter for both free and community events in your city.
Meeting People In Retail
- Fellow customers in line at the cashier
- Cashiers themselves
- Sales men/women
- Owner if available
Restaurant
- Hostess
- Waitress/waiter
- Bartender
Gym
Employees at service desk
Cruise Ship Vacation
If you plan on going on a cruise in the near future. Yes this costs money but ‘meeting people’ on board doesn’t cost anything extra.
Meet the Employees – Cruise ships have fantastic customer service and all workers are very nice. If you’re shy and/or anti social you can practice very easily here. I’ve met some great people who worked on these ships from different parts of the world. Hearing their stories and how they were able to get onto the cruiseship.
Meeting People For Free Is Very Simple
Thanks for taking the time to read my post on meeting people for free is very simple. I hope you were able to get some good ideas which can help you meet more people. Back then I was so shy that everything you read here was nothing more than a complete fantasy to me.
I was way too nervous and shy to attempt any of this. Nowadays I have a blast interacting with nearly anyone.
Just remember you deserve to meet some great people!