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Have you ever looked around and thought, “When did life get so disconnected?”
With everything online these days, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly in touch but not really connecting. Meaningful social moments and opportunities to form new connections can slip through the cracks when you’re busy with day-to-day responsibilities and doom-scrolling.

For a lot of people, it’s hard to cut through the noise and bond with others. Whether you’re naturally introverted, recently moved, or just finding yourself lonely, finding fresh ways to connect can feel daunting. How do you connect and make friends as an adult in 2025? Here are some ideas to get you started.

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BookTok, BookStagram & Book Clubs

If you’ve ever found yourself tearing through a novel and desperately needing someone to chat about it with, you’re in luck because reading is trending more than ever. 

Online bookish communities, such as BookTok and similar ones on Instagram and YouTube, are friendly and welcoming. You can even meet indie authors, which wouldn’t be possible anywhere else.

There are plenty of ways to turn your reading habit into something social. Offline book communities are multiplying, along with independent bookshops, so you don’t have to be a social media genius to find your people. But one thing all readers can agree on is that talking about a fantastic read is the perfect way to skip small talk and dive straight into something meaningful, and that’s always a good start to any connection.

The Gym Community

It’s easy to think of the gym as a solo mission, especially if you are going alone. But in reality, gyms are perfect to make fitness friends who can help you through your workouts and encourage each other. If you find the right gym, you’ll be surprised to see a loyal community of gym sis and gym bros looking out for each other. 

Whether you’re into weight training, yoga, spin classes, or swimming, there’s something special about seeing the same people week after week. Group classes, in particular, can be a brilliant way to connect, but even solo gym-goers find gym buddies. 

You don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room either. A simple smile, a “see you next time,” or a little gym banter at the water cooler can go a long way.

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Volunteering

Have you ever considered volunteering for a cause you care about? It’s a fantastic way to meet kind, like-minded people. 

What causes could you support?

There are many opportunities, such as helping out at a local animal shelter, joining a beach clean-up, or exploring actions for your local community.

You’re working side by side and doing something meaningful together, which makes conversations flow more easily. 

It’s a win-win: you make a positive difference and meet new faces that could become new friends.

Hobby-Based Meetups

Are you an avid crochet girl or an enthusiastic DnD player? There’s nothing quite like bonding with others over something you genuinely enjoy. Hobby-based meetups are the perfect spot to make connecting feel easy and natural. 

How do you find your local hobby meetup? Hobby communities often organise board chats, whether on social media or through a notice board at a location. So, it’s worth exploring popular spots, like cafés, with regular events or groups on Facebook, Discord, etc. 

Many local ccafés shops and community centres host relaxed, informal sessions where people of all ages and experience levels come along to learn and create. Even if in-person meetups aren’t quite your thing just yet, there are plenty of virtual groups and forums that let you dip a toe in from the comfort of home.

These groups are usually welcoming, helpful, and happy to share their knowledge. You don’t have to be an expert. In fact, being a beginner is often the best icebreaker.

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Pet Ownership

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you’ll know they can be a conversation starter. From early morning walks to lazy park strolls, pet owners naturally find themselves chatting and swapping contact details.

Where can you meet other pet owners? Dog-friendly ccafés, group training classes, and local pet events can be brilliant ways to find connection without forcing it. 

Of course, making sure you and your dog feel comfortable and confident together can make those everyday outings even more enjoyable. Ultimately, if you are stressed, your dog will be stressed too, and it will become harder to reach out to people. 

Travel Groups

Do people who travel together stay together? While this is valid for friends and family as long as they share the same approach, this also works for strangers. There are many specialised group tours for solo travellers, which are packed with friendly, open-minded people who are just as keen to connect as you are.

You don’t have to jet off on a round-the-world adventure, either. City breaks, countryside retreats, or even local day trips can all be opportunities to meet others through shared experience. Travel Facebook groups, hosted group trips, and solo-friendly travel platforms are great starting points if you’re not sure where to begin.

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Social Events

Sometimes the best connections happen when you say yes to something a little out of your comfort zone. You don’t want to go too much out of your comfort zone, but trying something different could help you meet new people. Whether it’s a pottery night or a cooking class, these low-key events are designed to bring people together in a casual, no-pressure way.

And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous? Even an evening of speed dating can be a fun, light-hearted way to meet new faces. You may find the one too, but it’s not uncommon to make friends through the process, too.
So, it’s worth looking for social events in your local area. You could end up with new connections. 

Nature & Walking Groups

If loud events and big social scenes aren’t your thing, you may be interested in walking groups. These are typically much quieter, while still allowing you to make new friends. 

Walking also relieves pressure and ensures you can find something to talk about. Conversations can flow much more smoothly when you share the same experience.

You get fresh air, movement, and the chance to bond with others who quietly appreciate the slower pace. This is an introvert’s dream!

Conclusion

Rebuilding connections in a disconnected world takes intention, but it’s worth it. Whether you’re reaching out to someone new, joining a local group, or simply being present in everyday interactions, the effort to connect matters. Genuine relationships take time, but they start with small, genuine moments. So, take a breath, put your phone down, and say yes to something or someone new. You never know what (or who) could be waiting on the other side.

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