Not every social situation needs to be super intimidating. In fact, it’s probably better to build momentum by identifying areas where you are used to talking to people, and slowly pushing the edges of your comfort zone.
To start, brainstorm places you would naturally feel comfortable. If you know things you enjoy doing that you can interact confidently with others, that’s ideal. Here are 50 different places to go for you to potentially get started.
Outdoor Enjoyment
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Hiking trails
- Local parks.
- Public beaches
- Lakes (feed the geese!)
- Botanical gardens
- Arboretums
- Community gardens
- Calisthenics parks
Creative and Solo-Friendly Spots
- Libraries
- Coffee shops.
- Art galleries
- Museums
- Comic stores
- Thrift stores
- Hobby centers
- Public photography locations
Physical Wellness Spaces
- Fitness studios
- Gyms
- Yoga centers
- Local swimming pools
- Rock climbing gyms
Learning or Skill-Building Venues
- Community college workshops
- Hackathons
- Woodworking classes
- Maker spaces
- Local bookstores
- Workshops at hardware stores
Recreational Places
- Arcade bars/ retro arcades
- Bowling alleys
- Professional sports games
- Board game cafes
- Mini golf courses
- Basketball courts
Local and Community Events
- Farmer’s markets
- Flea markets
- Rotary or volunteering clubs
- Local comedy
- Poetry readings
- Movie screenings
- Local festivals
Spaces Encouraging Mindfulness
- Quiet spaces in places of worship
- Local memorials
- Historical sites
- Fishing piers
- Animal shelters
- Saunas.
Generic Locations
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Malls
Now that you’ve got some ideas about the places you can go. Now, let’s arm you with a strategy to become comfortable. First, when you make eye contact with someone, smile. Oftentimes this creates a welcoming aura where others feel invited to talk to you. If you’re not yet comfortable approaching people, that’s entirely fine. But, try and enjoy people coming up to greet you. When someone greets you, say hello, and transition to a bland but comfortable topic like the weather. When you do this, it sends the message that you understand that social decorum requires you to prove that you’re not ‘freaky’.
If you’re shopping, chat with the clerk a little bit. Ask them how their shift has gone, and if they’re looking forward to anything after. If there’s a big line behind you, be conscientious that the clerk may be in a rush.
Overall, your goal with getting out of the house is to acclimate yourself in areas where social connections can happen. People can sense how comfortable you are, so becoming comfortable will serve you well.
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