My New Year's Resolution Is to Make New Friends — Here's How I'm Going to Do It

"When I first moved to NYC after college, I tried a new group-oriented hobby. For me, it was an improv class at the UCB theatre. I met so many cool people, and it turned out I really loved improv and was actually pretty good at it! Now, several years later, most of my best friends are people I met through the theatre, and we're all house performers there. My hobby turned into a passion, and my casual pals turned into lifelong ride or dies." — Casey McCormick, creative strategist

"Get involved in local groups or organisations where people have similar interests. Even book groups at a local bookstore are a good way to do that. Particularly in urban areas, there are tons of options for things to do, from taking adult dance classes to knitting or crocheting groups or cooking classes and even choirs in churches for those who like to sing. These are all wonderful ways to meet people you have something in common with, which makes for a natural friendship." — Cynthia Puleo, copy editor

"Find something you're interested in and join a group. For me, that was fitness-related, so I joined a yoga studio and just recently a CrossFit box. When I was pregnant, I joined a prenatal yoga class, and once the baby was born, I joined a mommy-and-me playgroup. I also play guitar and banjo, so I joined a weeknight bluegrass jam. Do the things you love with other people who love them and you're bound to make friends!" — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness

"Get involved in workout classes or, if those aren't your thing, other types of classes (arts, dance, cooking, acting, etc.) around the city you live in. You'd be surprised how many regulars there are at these types of classes, and if you become a regular too, it's a great way to make new friends!" — Hilary White, editor, Living

"Try doing things alone: get a drink by yourself, brave a fitness class you've never tried before, etc. I've found that when people see you living your best life, they'll want to join you." — Nicole Yi, assistant editor, Living

"Whenever you're out in public, introduce yourself to at least one person. When I first moved to new city, I started attending lectures and other networking events on topics that I'm passionate about. This way I knew I'd have at least something in common with the people around me and would have jumping-off point for conversations." — Madison Meltzer, associate social media editor

"Something that has helped me a lot as an adult is making friends through workout classes or at the gym. It's hard to make time to seek out friends without doing so in a way that feels forced, but going to the gym or to Spin classes is something I do often and is already in my schedule. It's nice to introduce yourself to a familiar face, and who doesn't want a new workout buddy?" — Perri Konecky, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features

"Don't be afraid to approach someone who has the same interests as you and strike up a conversation! I'm an introvert and would basically be the last person to randomly walk up to a stranger and start a conversation, but that's how my friend and I met. Every morning on my commute to work, I would see the same girl on my train, and we would both head directly to Starbucks after leaving the station. Her outfits were always on point, so I knew we both shared an interest in fashion. Finally, one day when she was behind me in line to buy coffee, I worked up the courage to turn around, introduce myself, and compliment her style. Turned out we're the same age, both work in the same industry, have similar backgrounds, and love shopping at all the same stores. Now we have a standing coffee date once a week!" — Stephanie Nguyen, associate editor, Native Content

"I've found that making your own events and gatherings will eventually bring people in. When I first moved a few months ago, I started my own book club and did vegan potlucks. I was surprised to see how many more people showed up and to see how much these groups have grown." — Gina Florio, editor, Fitness

"I made a pact with myself when I moved to the city (to try) to always say yes to random social opportunities that came up, even if I thought they were awkward or silly or lame. And I'm really glad I did, even though they made me so nervous at the time! I went to networking cocktail parties thrown by start-ups, indie concerts with my roommate's college friends, and especially, a lot of friends of friends of friends' birthday parties. I met so many interesting people this way, and all I had to do was show up and eat some free snacks." — CM

"Lean in when people want to hang out. If a friend of a friend or new roommate mentions wanting to go somewhere or see something, say yes. If you meet someone who seems pretty cool at work or a party and they mention wanting to hang out, go with it." — Shannon Vestal Robson, director, Celebrity and Entertainment

"Don't be afraid to say 'yes'! I made the most friends when I was always down to try something new." — NY

"At a new job, if people ever leave for coffee or lunch and put a polite invite out there, take it. Take it always. Even if you brought lunch or already had two cups of coffee. it's an easy, fast social situation to get into. Then maybe you make a habit of it, and maybe they become a work friend — or even just a work bud you can get coffee with." — SVR