How to Meet New People in Real Life

There’s a reason why online dating is so popular: as an adult, it can be seriously difficult to meet people in real life. While dating apps may be convenient and efficient (and can, of course, be totally fun), there are also plenty of downsides. Online, it’s all too easy — and, honestly, somewhat expected — to present an overly filtered version of yourself. From literally filtered images to a curated, inauthentic version of your life and interests, online you often isn’t the same as real-life you. But where can you go and what can you do to shift your dating life back into the real world? Read on for our tips and tricks for meeting people and making IRL connections in 2020 — so you can delete Tinder for good.

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Take a class

Think back to high school: was there anything better than that heart-skip-a-beat feeling of seeing your crush in the hallway? Just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean you can’t get that feeling again. Whether it’s a creative writing course or an intro to a new language, enrolling in a weekly class on a topic that you’re genuinely interested in is the perfect way to challenge yourself while meeting people who actually like the same things you like (and don’t just say they like the same things you like on their profile).

RELATED: Positive affirmations to start your day.

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Eat out

With so many food delivery apps out there, ordering in is easier than ever — but staying in with take-out tacos and Netflix might be a missed opportunity for real-life connection. Grab a friend or — better yet — take yourself out for dinner at cool new restaurants on a regular basis. The act of enjoying a meal is one of the most sensual and satisfying things you can do, and you never know who you’ll meet. Afraid you won’t seem approachable? Choose a restaurant with communal dining tables and say hello to your neighbours.

RELATED: Our editors reveal their bucket list restaurants across Canada.

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Hit up a dog park or cat cafe

If you’re an animal owner, or lover, you’re in luck — pets are the great unifier between people. If you’re a dog mom or dad, look for pet or breed-specific meetups in your city. Or, you love animals but don’t own one, think outside the box: visit a local cat café, volunteer for an animal shelter or offer to take a friend’s pup to the park.

SEE ALSO: All the zodiac signs as dog breeds.

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Consider volunteering

Give back, gain new friends? Volunteering is a great way to connect with your community and to meet new people. Don’t just randomly volunteer at any organization, though. Choose a cause that means something to you and make a commitment to help out. It can be as simple as joining in a local beach cleanup day or volunteering at a charity run, or it can be an ongoing commitment to help at a food bank or shelter. Even better?

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New friends > no new friends

Don’t be afraid to look outside your inner circle. While it’s totally okay to have a tier of besties, spending every weekend with the same two or three BFFs can close you off from potential IRL love connections. The next time an acquaintance invites you to something, say yes — it’s the easiest way to widen your network of real-life connections. Want to amp up your chances of meeting someone new? Let go of your need to be fashionably late to events. Show up on time, and you’ll have more opportunity to connect.

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Channel your sporty side

As Elle Woods famously said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy…” — and happy people are more likely to attract new people. Get fit, have fun and make new connections by tapping into your athletic side (even if it’s been hidden for years). Whether it’s picking up a childhood sport you used to love by joining a recreational soccer team, getting a membership for your local gym or trying out a dance or yoga class, getting sweaty with like-minded people is a great way to boost your confidence — and your social circle.

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Take a tour

Sometimes, a little guidance goes a long way. Whether it’s a day tour of the local brewery scene in your city a group hiking excursion to a nearby mountain, you don’t have to travel far to take part in a tour — and with the logistics of the day taken care of, you’ll be more open to connecting with other people.

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Try unplugging

This tip may seem obvious, but really think about it: how often do you walk around in the world in your own head? Save the podcast for later, and take out your headphones when you’re in public.

RELATED: How the zodiac signs fall in love.

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Show your support

You’re busy, we get it. The thing is… everyone’s busy. Make an effort to show up for your friends’ things. From a themed birthday party for a friend of a friend to your sister-in-law’s art show, the events that are on your radar that you normally would skip could be the perfect opportunity to meet someone new. Worst-case scenario? You get a reputation for being an awesome, supportive friend who shows up.

RELATED: 13 relationship myths everyone thinks are true.

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Work it

It’s important to keep things professional at work, of course — but that doesn’t mean that the people you work with can’t be key to making new connections. You likely spend more time with your coworkers than you do anyone else, so they probably know you pretty well. Go to the party your desk-mate invites you to and meet their friends.

Warning: steer clear of any inappropriate power dynamics — don’t ask your employee to set you up with a friend, and don’t try to finagle an invite to your boss’s dinner party.

RELATED: The 6 types of workplace relationships.