Whether you have started a new job, just moved to a new place, begun to study at a different school or simply want to meet some new people, finding the right connection is important.
Making friends or finding a relationship is easier when you find people who have similar interests as you.
Finding common ground helps build the foundation for conversation, sharing and can broaden your horizons depending on the types of similarities you find.
Connecting with people who make you feel comfortable, can offer you a support system, some motivation and certainly assist in getting more out of your life.
Best Ways to Find People Who Have the Same Hobbies as You
There is a little bit of introvert in all of us when it comes to experiencing new social situations.
Its never easy to just transplant yourself to a new city or job, let alone in a completely new friend group.
One way to begin expanding your new social circle is to find people who have the same hobbies as you.
Hobbies are a great way to not only start a conversation but perhaps engage with people you normally may not have the chance to.
Here are some suggestions to help you meet people who have the same hobbies as you and possibly build some new friendships along with enjoyable social networks.
- Use the Internet – Social media is a significant help when it comes to finding local people with the same hobbies as you.While the internet only began in 1991, the social media boom was not far behind and the ability to link with other people online grew.The first interactive site was Six Degrees which began in 1997 and then there was My Space in 2008 .These sites allowed a person to upload a profile and become friends with other users.It was the precursor to many of the social media sites we use today.We have become adept at using web-based technology to allow us to be socially interactive with large numbers of people.
As social media progresses it means that you can now link up with people in specific groups or with those who have the same hobbies as you.
It allowed us to choose whether to keep people at internet distance or meet in person if we are comfortable and close by.
Now in 2019, you can find friends online with apps like:
- Facebook Groups – This well known social media app allows you access to almost any hobby group you can think of from the mundane to the outlandish.With over 2. 41 Billion Facebook users, finding people who have the same hobbies as you is as simple as a click of the mouse.These groups allow you access to groups not only around the world but local ones as well.It’s a great way to find out about upcoming events that you may want to go to so you can meet new people and become more engaged with your local community.
- Meetup Groups – This form of social media created in 2002 bridges the gap between online and reality.Their tag line “the real world is calling….local events to meet people, try something new, or do more of what you love“ is perfect.It’s a place to meet people online who enjoy the same hobbies, and which can then translate into actual in-person group get-togethers in your area.Others, or yourself, can create a particular interest group who meet and hang out to do or talk about something they really enjoy.It is a fun way to go out and meet people who like what you do and gives you instantaneous topics to start a conversation.
These outings can also be good networking for both hobbyists and business people as well.
These groups are done with meetups in a controlled setting, so you are safe and able to enjoy the event.
- Time to Enjoy – If you are in a new area temporarily for business or a social visit, this app is very cool when finding people who have the same hobbies as you.It helps you find something to do in the town that you are in if you have free time.You can look through various local events until you find something with the activities you enjoy that will also fit with your schedule.
- Golden – This app is great if one of your hobbies is volunteering.Its goal is to match people with opportunities to volunteer at events they enjoy in their local area.It facilitates your ability to meet people who also enjoy the hobby of volunteering while supporting the local community charities.It’s a win-win for both you and those groups that need help.
- Join Local Hobby Groups – If you have moved to a new area and are struggling to find people who enjoy the same hobbies you do, try looking for in the local papers or on town/city social media for groups that have groups might enjoy joining.There are local gyms, running clubs, biking clubs often available or if you are more into music or crafts you may find these types of groups as well.Further to these groups if you enjoy theatre, cinema or books, there are often many of these local groups that are looking for people to join and take part in their programs.Once you join a group centered around one of your hobbies, you will probably find you will meet people there who have further similar interests as well allowing you to expand your social circle.
- Who Knows Who – Struggling to find friends in your new community, you can ask if your business associates have any ideas about local hobby groups you could take part in.If your hobby is sports, then maybe they know of a local pick up hockey league or somewhere that people gather to watch sporting events on a big screen.They may be able to introduce you to people whom they know have similar interests to your own and can facilitate a meeting with them.Work colleagues may not have the same hobbies as you but may have excellent ideas on who does.
- Find Where Social News is Posted – If you are in a smaller town it may be easier to find “old fashioned” bulletin boards that post social news than if you live in the big, busy city.These types of boards may also be found in an office foyer or in the lobby of your apartment building.They are simply boards that announce local social events that you may be interested in.Maybe there is a men’s or women’s soccer league, a local community garden on the roof or down the street, perhaps there are newcomers’ events each month so people can get to know each other.Postings for book clubs, craft groups where people can talk and knit a quilt may be available as well.Social media may not have these small local groups on it so keep your eyes open for posters on bulletin boards rather than just relying on online information.
- Drop into the Local Service Group – If you are an extrovert and like meeting new people, joining into a local service group is a great way to find people with similar interests and hobbies.By doing this you are not only interacting in a new social circle, but chances are that some people in these clubs will have further things in common with you as you are already linked through a group where you are all helping others.Some great suggestions are:
- Habitat for Humanity – If your hobby is anything to do with carpentry, plumbing, tiling or other building trades this is the perfect group to join if you want to meet others who enjoy the same hobby.You will be able to participate in building a house to help people up while working with like-minded individuals.
- Rotary International – This group brings together business and professional leaders to do humanitarian service both locally and throughout the world.This service clubs’ goal is to promote goodwill and peace through service.This organization is perfect for those who want to work with like-minded people to improve other people’s situations.If you go to a Rotary meeting and take part in their activities and fundraisers, you will begin to build your new circle of friends who also enjoy charitable work.You will get to meet up with friends while making a difference by supporting your local and international communities as well.
- Religious Organizations – These types of groups reach out in various ways to support outreach needs both in their community and around the world.If you are a churchgoer or are comfortable in a religious setting many churches do outreach that you may enjoy.There are groups that knit or sew for those in need, soup kitchens and Out of the Cold programs that need volunteers on a regular basis.The list is unending when it comes to the missions that this organization takes on.If you like to cook, craft or raise money and are looking for a church community you may find a new group of friends who enjoy these hobbies as well.
- Arts and Entertainment Clubs – These types of clubs are perfect if your favorite hobbies revolved around the arts. They are places where you can talk to people who enjoy much of the same thing you do.
- Theatre Groups – If you want to join a theatre group to meet others whose hobbies focus here as well, you do not have to know how to act, dance or sing.Maybe you’re talented as a director, a set designer or stagehand.Perhaps you can work on the artwork or graphic design for the leaflets and advertising.There are lots of things to do without having to be on stage.
- Orchestras – If your hobbies are musically centered then finding somewhere, where you can play with a group, is really wonderful.Finding a band or orchestra to try out for means there will be other people there who are as dedicated as you in regard to music as well.A great first step to creating friendship based on these similar interests.
- Choirs – If you are not interested in theatre and do not play an instrument but love to sing then perhaps a local choir is looking for members.This is a great way to combine a hobby with meeting people as well.Learning the music and practicing meeting an end goal such as a concert together is an enjoyable way to socialize.
- Business Groups – Supporting your local business association or various local corporate events may open the door to meeting people who have similar interests and hobbies as you.This is especially true if you are opening a new business or working in a new job.Joining others in forum meetings or learn how to do team building can be a great opportunity to meet others and learn about their interests beyond the local business scene.It starts the flow of conversation so you can begin to see who may be interested in similar hobbies as you.It is also a great way to find out about local groups through business networking.These types of gatherings are great for exchanging your business card with people but also to introduce yourself as someone new to the area who is hoping to become part of the community beyond simply business involvement.
Finding people with similar interests as you are not always easy, especially if you have just moved to a new town or city, started a new job or are attending a new school.
It is important to try and discover some new options when you begin to rebuild your social networks.
Finding common interest with other people around the hobbies you enjoy is a great way to get out and meet individuals who live near you.
Getting to know people helps you not only build a social network but a support network as well.
While landing in a new place and finding new friend groups is never easy, especially if you are an introvert, creating a social circle where you find comfort is helpful and can be done with a little investigation and inquiries.
Once you have found a good group your social life will grow from there.
