Yes, I do have suggestions. A couple of conditions: - Not thinking about it as a thing someone does. - Not limiting oneself to places they judge to be the plac

Yes, I do have suggestions. A couple of conditions: - Not thinking about it as a thing someone does. - Not limiting oneself to places they judge to be the places to do that non thing (I don't know why people think it has to be in bar, club, gym.) There's an enormous pressure on people that makes them do sad things. Going to meetups and "trying to make friends" is a bit sad because the premise is depressing. You can meet people everywhere. Street, café, bus, beach, etc. Here's a great way: have a standard reaction to someone looking at you. Warm smile (no need to show teeth, even), and a light "hi". Nothing fancy. With anyone who looks at you long enough (old lady, big dude, police officer). This prevents you from thinking of coming up with something to say, and trying to come up with something to say is what gets most people in trouble. It is also positive to the other person, simple. It is what you do with people you know. The important thing here isn't really the reaction of the others. Some will ignore you. Some will think you're strange. Maybe they're having a bad day. You will get in a lot of conversations with a lot of people in different situations. It takes the pressure out to "find friends" at meetups/bars/gyms at specific times because you can talk with anyone you want.