Do you have any suggestions on how to meet more people?

Well, it's hard to respond without knowing more, because maybe some of the things I have in mind are part of what you've done. Also, I don't know how much of this is a function of personality. I tend to be more outgoing, and things I don't find hard to do, can be excruciating for others.

What I would do is make a list of things that interest you: political beliefs, religious beliefs, hobbies, sports, work, etc.

Look for groups based on these things. Go get involved.

The other thing I would offer is the old saying, "if you want a friend, be a friend." Instead of looking for people who fit specific criteria, look around for opportunities to be a friend. Talk to your neighbors. Get to know the people around you. Listen to them as they tell their stories. You'll learn things about them, and these can be points of contact. Along the way, I suspect you'll meet someone you might want to know better.

 

Well, yes, I would google. If I were, say, a socialist, and I wanted to find other socialists, I would search for socialists in my zip code.

If I were looking for a church or a synogogue, same thing.

Then go. Show up. Talk to people. Let them talk. The best conversationalist is the person who says, "tell me more about you." And then listens intently.

Another suggestion. When you go into area businesses, look around to see if any of them have bulletin boards where notices are pinned up. My barber has one; and I have seen them in Barnes and Noble. All kinds of interesting things show up there, including fundraisers. Find some cause that interests you and volunteer. There are so many organizations that are begging for someone to show up and help serve food, or sort clothing, or help with some event. They would love to see you. You'll be doing good. And you'll meet people who care about the same things.

Same thing with a political campaign, if that interests you.

 

You don't have to believe in the bible to attend church, the main function of a church is the community that is built within it, without that key part of it there wouldn't be any point because people can just read it on their own. Now it is certainly possible that some of the members (upon finding out about your beliefs) would end up ostracizing you, however I think just being there for them would make most happy.

If your difficulty is finding the motivation itself I would recommend putting yourself in an incredibly boring and dull position (church is often viewed in this way) to the point where you won't be able to make it without communicating with others. Might sound strange, but some of my best conversations have been when I working in reception, and no not on the phone but in person.

 

I find the best way to make friends is to have a routine. Like going to the library at a certain time. Or going to starbucks for coffee in the mornings and sitting in the same place. Once you create repition in your life you will start to notice the same people more and more and that will give you a chance to connect by proximity.

But joining organizations is great. If you are in HS take extracraicular classes, spark up a conversation to the person next to you how lame your teacher is, or if you are in college join an organization (or start one), or if you have a job try to eat your lunches with your coworkers. I used to be very shy so I know how hard it seems to make friends but the best thing I did was take an improv class in High school and found people to connect with and it made the whole journey of finding friends to be not as hard as I thought it was.

If you aren't sure what to say to people or how to start a conversation just ask the person questions about themselves (oh those shoes are so cool, where did you get them? Oh hey I like your AC/DC shirt, whats your favorite song?". People love talking about who they are and what they like and with that you can find things in common which connect you two.

 

As dumb as it sounds the first friends I ever made was on xbox because as a teen I had social anxiety and didn't know how to talk to people. 10 years later I still have them on my friends lists and talk to them lol. Whether its some kind of social connection, this forum included, it will help teach you how to better interact with people.