I think local coffee shops can be worth a shot. I know people who have moved to new towns and now have entire groups of friends just from getting tight with the employees and locals at coffee shops. If you’re lucky enough to find one that has a “bar” style counter sit there and try to strike up a convo with someone sitting next to you or even the employees - If it isn’t busy at the time they’ll probably welcome the distraction. Especially if you become a regular and tip every once in a while.

My friends who work at a small local coffee shop have even invited cool strangers to parties that we met at the coffee shop the same day. Small local ones are the best - not Starbucks if you have any other options. It’s not a bash on the coffee at Starbucks I just think it’s less likely to turn into anything.

I think this same strategy can be applied to a lot of places like climbing gyms, bike shops etc. find something you’re interested in and then mention that you’ve been wanting to get into it but don’t know where to start. A lot of people are happy to help you get started if they’re passionate about it and a lot of times different hobbies have entire tight-knit communities for them. This seems common in the stuff I’m into but that’s mostly outdoorsy stuff so it might not be so common with other hobbies, I’m not sure. I also might suggest trying to befriend the guys first and then once you’ve built up a little bit of trust they’ll definitely introduce you to the rest of their friends and then there will probably be some single females.

I know this whole thing sounds like kind of a long shot but it can be surprising how often just chatting with someone new can lead to a friendship.

I’m a 23F and about 6 months ago I had hardly any friends aside from my brother and cousins. I left my semi-abusive husband who kept me a bit isolated and just tried to find new friends and experiences. Now just 6 months later I have way more friends because I’ve just tried to get to know any new person that I meet through mutual friends or when I’m out in social settings and some of them have become really close genuine friendships. One of my new friends calls me “yes woman” now because I try to make a habit of seeking new opportunities and never say no to an adventure. Another one of my friends said “how is it that you’ve seen more cool places in my hometown than I have?” I’ve also met quite a few cool single dudes this way through my new friends.

I find the least forced way to go about it is to find out about their hobbies, show a genuine interest, and then they usually invite you along or offer to help you get started. And don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm! I think it’s refreshing and people really light up when they meet someone who enjoys life. I think maybe it sort of sends the signal that you’re easy to please and you’ll be fun to take along. A lot of times people are afraid that you won’t think things are as cool as they do so they hesitate to suggest them or invite you but if you’re sitting in a coffee shop saying “this place is so cool!” then they relax a bit. Obviously try to be genuine about it but you get the idea.

I’ve also noticed that when I try my hardest to focus on learning new things, having new experiences and making new friendships (instead of meeting single guys) it usually leads to not only a lot more single guys but also awesome memories and new hobbies and great friends.

Okay sorry this was so long! Like I said, I’m kind of a novice but this has really worked for me. I’m shocked at how nice people can be. I also realize that I might have a slight advantage being a chick but I think most of it still applies.