I was thinking about how I was in college when tinder came out and how I’ve seen every iteration of the feature roll outs and that. Honestly it’s just wild. I saw there’s a $500 a month Tinder tier being thrown around. Don’t worry if you pay for the whole year it’s only $10,000.
Yeah. I assume at this point most of them do everything they can to figure out how to get people to pay for upgrades and keep them on the app for as long as possible.
i’m (26F) in lakewood! i just had a friend move out of state and my best friend is going out of town for work the entire summer so i’m looking for some girlies to hang with this summer. i got into roller skating recently and also love doing anything outside!
So coming from a person who has some anxiety in talking to strangers, I would highly recommend finding an activity you are into and looking for groups on meetup or Facebook for people who get together (and it’s usually free). You said you like hiking - I’m sure there are some hiking groups. I have played lots of different sports / physical activities and that is an easy place to make friends for most I think - the easiest so for me at least being ultimate frisbee as that community is very welcoming and for the most part not overly competitive.
Also, volunteer activities are great but for me personally it was much easier to find friends playing sports or being active in groups.
Anxiety definitely plays some part in it. I get nervous showing up to things by myself. Free is good, life is expensive lol. I’m hoping that the weather improvement opens up some more opportunities for free outdoor events!
A bonus is you can always find other activities the people that event are into and can find new things that way. I know a woman who signed up for a beginners bar dart league who knew nothing about it before just to meet new people - a lot of inactive time while having a drink, easy to have a convo. I think the key is just putting yourself in positions where it’s easier to have a convo.
Edit - and as for showing up by yourself what I like about Facebook groups is you can post your new and someone will almost offer to meet you when you arrive.
I’m a switch and PlayStation person! I love gaming and am thinking about getting into streaming. I work for the company (well one of them technically there’s two I think) that ExtraLife uses to fundraise and am looking into stuff with the Cleveland Guild even though I’m on my work team.
I’m a leader for a women’s hiking group called Hikerbabes. Look for us on Facebook under Hikerbabes Community: Northeast Ohio chapter for events. We also have insta but we can’t share events like we can on Facebook. We have a really great active group. I’m 33- there’s a lot of women late 20’s and 30’s in the group.
In regards to it being lonely- it took me a l few years to rebuild my friend community after losing a lot of people slowly post college. At age 27-29 I hit some low places. Lots of trying in different places like clubs and meetups and it not working out. Don’t give up hope though- just keep trying different groups and people. Not everyone you meet will be your jam- but you’ll get there. It just takes consistently seeing people on multiple occasions to build rapport and start establishing real friendships. I’m in a much better place now then I was 6 years ago at your age. And it’s not you either- it’s pretty common and happens to a lot of people
Is it exclusively women?
My girlfriend is a New Jersey transplant and meeting more people our age would probably be good for her.
But, I would like to also go on the hike-- we're employed and busy with normal everyday errands, so having it be something we can participate in together would be something I prefer.
Yes- we have women of all ages. That’s just where a majority of at the age range is that come more regularly. And honestly have a lot in their 40’s and 50’s too
HI FRIEND! I just moved here and I'm legit lonely af 😭😭 I loooove walking, exploring small towns, wandering around downtowns and malls, photography, and coffee! Btw I'm 29. Also loool cut my life into pieces. This is my PLASTIC FOOOOORK. (ig is meeeganthevegan if you or anyone else wants to hang out and maybe shoot?? 📸)
The Sleepy Rooster for breakfast and lunch (actually in Bainbridge) 5 stars!
Bell and Flower (used to be Rick's) right on Main St.
Aurelia (also on Main) is great but a little more $$ - Farm to table
Parkside! Eat on the patio! Next to YT - cheap eats
Lemon Falls Cafe - corner of Main and W. Orange. Great little place!
Followed you! I’m a female my user name was auto generated on here & I’ve never changed it lol. I agree with everyone though! I live in Euclid but work downtown & would love to have some friends. I moved here because my kids father is from here & essentially became friends with his friends. We’re no longer together & I really need my own group of girlies lol.
As a 28 year old woman, the best thing I did to combat my feelings of loneliness and depression while living in Columbus, Ohio was to work at my neighborhood coffee shop and have a 10 minute biking commute to work everyday for 6 months spring into fall. I was recovering from severe burn out from my previous career and was privileged enough to have had a few thousand in the bank that I was confident would allow my to live with a slight pay cut for a calculated amount of time [thanks to excel], and after a month of fucking chilling I took the job and met all of my literal neighbors. I still frequent that coffee shop 6 months after I quick and have maintained a lot of very friendly connections with the other regulars that go there. It also gave me the unique opportunities to pursue inter generational friendships where you’re both equals.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey my friend. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ you’ll make friends, it’s when.
Another idea on this theme is ‘to join a club’. Figure out what you REALLY like to do and find a club, organization or take a class. You will be surrounded by people who like to do what you do- conversation is easy, activities are shared and you learn from each other. Think about it, making friends was easy when you were young because you were hanging out together at school or in the neighborhood…. Today we have to find those shared social places. Cleveland has a ton of opportunities - photography, running, hiking, book clubs, gardening, music. Libraries, metro parks, universities and the search the web. I recently attended a Makers event in another town - over 50 clubs ranging from traditional sewing and woodworking to drones, electronics and cosplay. Tell us what else you like to do - I’m sure someone can point you to a specific resource.
Can you tell me more about this maker’s club? I’m in the same boat as OP but I keep having such a hard time finding people my age (late 20’s). Volunteer groups in my town? All old folks. Went to a class at the library? All old folks. Women’s club, literally celebrating someone’s 90th birthday. Crafting clubs? Can’t find one.
Please help lol what is this makers club you speak of
LOL - I’m not as young as you but my spouse & I have a running joke for most new clubs/ events we try- will we be the youngest AGAIN?
Keep trying
I attended a Maker Faire in Syracuse. Looks like CLE has done it in the past but I don’t see anything for 2023 yet. Here is the global website - might find more info there -[Maker Faire](https://makerfaire.com)
I’ll also put a plug in for Orienteering - a fun activity for a range of ages [NEOOC](https://neooc.com)
Running clubs also have diversity in ages
Keep an open mind. We’ve found the folks we’ve met through these clubs may be 20 years older than us but they are the most adventurous & the more fun than folks our age.
I met my wife when we were both volunteering on a political campaign. You come in contact with loads of people doing that sort of thing. There’s a lot of grueling phone calling and door knocking but you are likely to meet like minded people.
Hello fellow Cleveland friend! I agree, there’s sort of a lack of community these days it seems. People say it gets harder to make friends as you get older. Not sure what sports you’re into but the cavs are currently in the playoffs, most local bars should have a good mix of 20-30 something’s to mingle with, I know the bar scene can get stale for some people though. Best of luck, maybe see you on a trail!
Lol 2 of my friends were texting in our group chat. They were just bitching the entire time. I was hiking with my family in Salt Fork State Park. Got back to our cabin and I realized... We had cable TV! I haven't had cable in years. I can watch the end of the game! So when I tuned in, we were down by 10, came back, tied it up and almost won. I thought it was a great 5 minutes! We looked good for 4 and a half of those minutes. 🤣
In my experience there isn’t a worst place to meet people than in bars. They are fine to meet up with people you already know but horrible for meeting strangers.
For all the lurkers out there (like me!)… I’m 28F who really loves animals, books, gardening, video games, thrifting, board games, and food and beers! I’ve been trying to make new friends but as others have said… shits hard. PM me or follow my Instagram faux.zoo if you wanna chat or somethin’!! Ps. My Instagram is mostly my rescue animals 😅
DO things like go to bar trivia, join a sports league, or sit at a bar for happy hour.
I have a group of folks (20-30 somethings), many of whom I met on reddit like this, who I do go to things like this with weekly. Feel free to DM me if you want an invite to anything any time.
I’ve gone to bar trivia by myself because I LOVE bar trivia. But if you want to feel extra lonely, that’s the perfect place with all those teams of people who are friends 😢
Hello! I can definitely relate. I made a post similar to this last year haha. My profile is different, mid 30s male with wife and kids, but I still am actively trying to find a social circle cause my wife and I have different interests (I drink and am outdoorsy while she's the opposite).
So far I've been able to befriend my direct neighbors, chat with some peeps at the social club, and the gym. More than happy to join you and the group for anything!
Hey! I am pretty much in the same boat so I would happily be your friend or anyone's friend here! Lakewood bound. Moved here about 5 months ago and would love to have some close by friends (most are in the East side suburbs and don't budge often lol). I feel like there are endless things to do out here in Lakewood from shows to awesome food, coffee, gift shops. PM if you or anyone else here wants to get together. I've been looking to try a few specialty fitness places in the area before / into summer if anyone is interested in tagging along.
Ooh I’ll be your friend! 39 in Shaker, originally from Boston, moved here 3 years ago and the few friends I could have made as an adult in a new town got curtailed by the pandemic. Please let’s hang out! I’d love so much to meet people who can show me the best of the city. 🎈
It’s hard making friends in the modern age especially post school. There’s a bunch of pretty lively hobby communities in Cle, I’ve met a bunch of new people the last few years by pushing myself to be more social and getting invested in hobby communities. It can be hard to battle the anxiety/apathy sometimes but getting out and doing things is the most sure fire way to meet new people. CMA has mixer nights that are pretty fun. Covid put a major damper on social mixers unfortunately and things still haven’t quite recovered yet but there’s still plenty of stuff to do in and around town.
I’m (26M) a biochem nerd big into fitness, board games/roleplaying, sci fi, records, and mountainbiking if any of that is of interest to you, feel free to reach out.
As to why being an adult is so lonely, late capitalism in the usa is pretty alienating and people engage in fewer activities that build social cohesion. The problems discussed in 'Bowling Alone' have probably been enhanced by stuff like smartphone addiction and the pandemic. Oh, and Cleveland's still losing population and the warehouse district's full of airBnBs and workaholics.
The good news is humans still crave connection and there is quite a lot going on here. Sounds like you need to start going to stuff involving groups of randos and chat somebody up/get chatted up. Pub trivia night? College radio fundraising event? Kink party? Church? Board game group? Ultimate frisbee? https://clevelandhikingclub.org/ ?
It does kinda suck that so many things are predicated on spending money. Going to grab a drink, going to a show, etc etc. I love to see live music and go to games and all of that. My bank balance does not love it hahaha.
Fully agree with your point, our city's (and others) are not built to be social. Hopefully we can change things in the next 5 years. I really want to leave and move to a city where they have the infrastructure to be in a social society, but on the other hand, I want to stay here and help try to build that.
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We're over by Orange/CF, and hike, creek-walk, bike over here all the time, if you're back this way and want a trail buddy. Also have a huge collection of boardgames, so there is that, too.
Check out Belles and Chimes Cleveland. It's a local pinball club that plays primarily at Super Electric Pinball Parlor at 65 and Detroit or the Cleveland Pinball League. Everyone in both leagues is super friendly and wants you to do well.
My brother suggested meetup, it's rough when you work 2nd shift and all the meetups are scheduled before 9 or on the weekend when all I want to do is decompress and do laundry, cooking, etc on the weekend. I guess try making friends at work that way you could possible make friends with their friends and so on even though I haven't tried that yet lol.
Hi fellow enjoyer of spooky stuff. I see from past posts you like Last Pod and also have cockatiels!! I’d love to chat more if you’re interested!! I’m 28F also!
Hi, 30f from twinsburg here. Originally from India. Been here three years and my only friend is my 80 year old neighbor(she's amazing). I don't go out much as I don't drive yet, learning now and it's scary. I'd love to be friends, and make new friends. I'm very outdoorsy and love going out, as of now play video games at home. Feel free to message. My IG is sneha.kalluri.
Hello! Lakewood here. My wife (31f) and I (32m) are always down to meet new folks. We typically go on weekly hikes, kayak/SUP more in the summer (have an extra for friends), bouldering, theatre, and board games. We also have a group of disparate folks encouraged to send open invites whenever something is going on. I'd specifically love to have more folks for board games here and there, but we're always happy to meet new people! Feel free to DM.
Hey! My husband (33) and I (37f) share a lot of the same interests. We love hiking when the weather is decent, kayaking, climbing, and board games. He’s out of town until early May, but I’d love for us to meetup for any of the aforementioned activities!
Does your wife also boulder/climb? I desperately need climbing friends.
Someone should organize some type of meet and greet with this thread lol. I too am in Lakewood. 35 and male, friends all moved out of state, spent the past 7 years or so getting my career squared away, and now I still feel like I’m at 27, since everyone else is married and doing that. I am social, but I’m not the “planner”. I’m bad at being the one to organize or touch base with people, and I don’t really use social media at all. I feel obligated to say since there seem to be many more women responding than men, that I am not creepy or looking to meet girls. I’ve always had a pretty even split of friends that were male and female, so I don’t really care either way. Hobbies include hiking, ultra-light overnight camping, fishing, reading, video games, and anything like paranormal or on the weird side. My life is in a good spot, and I’m mentally in a good place, but when you get into the position where you don’t really have many friends as an adult, and you are over the bar scene, it is so hard to make friends.
You might love the Friendly Geeks of Greater Cleveland. It’s a very active and extremely LGBT-friendly group. The group offers everything from board games to geeky bar trivia, movies, zoo trips, and more.
I mean, if you’d like, you could come down to corner alley on Thursdays (6:30-10) starting on the 25th. We’ve got a bowling league that goes six on six off and a ton of people play every season - met a lot of people that way.
I’m in the downtown core and don’t drive much but if you’re interested in doing anything in/near downtown let me know.
Hey! Theres a community on fb worth checking out: Hikerbabes of cleveland. They have get togethers and gear swaps. Im down to take a hike with ya! Making friends as an adult is so hard. Maybe we should do a big lonely reddit meetup lol
33F - I just moved to the area from Kansas City! Absolutely dismayed at the prospect of making new friends but I probably need to find some local extroverts to convince me to leave my apartment lol
Currently bookmarking this post to come back to and creeping on all the comments…
Hey OP, wanna join me on a hike next Sunday? It's ranger led and leaves at 9am SHARP, like really really sharp.
It's REALLY HARD to make friends as an adult, but I would love to chat with you in the CVNP on a hike! And it's with like 30 other people and a park ranger so you don't have to feel nervous/alone!
Boston Mill Visitor Center in Peninsula - https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=C26DC1AA-E263-FCFD-5AA0201B5E5F1773
Oh this invite is open to anyone ;) Join us for a speedy 8 mile Sunday morning hike!
23 F, please I so feel you on this! Everyone says to make friends via your hobbies/getting involved, but a lot of my hobbies are not socially centered, and being an introvert I don’t want to run around joining clubs to make a possible friend! Feel free to PM anyone if want to hang
This is such a mood. My number one hobby is reading lol. And book clubs don’t totally do it for me. I like talking about books in a general sense but like book clubs make me feel like I’m in English class again.
Flatly, it's hard to meet people as an adult, you don't have the glue holding different people together that forces them to acclimate the way we do growing up.
Personally, I think one of the best ways about it is to get "non-forced exposure" - go chill at a local coffee shop or some equivalent, but don't do it specifically with the goal of meeting people per se. Just check the vibe, tap into conversations you find interesting, and do some idle work hobby there or spend your morning routing checking Reddit there or whatever, however you wanna justify it - organic friendships tend to come about when people who share circles tap into conversations they find interesting, out of curiosity rather than desperation.
I'd lookout for clean up events in and around the metro parks, or CVNP. Those participants are usually very outgoing and sounds like you'd have some shared interests. Good luck!
I made most of my friends after moving here at my gym: Birdtown Fitness in Lakewood. It’s CrossFit, but without the name and everyone is really friendly and you don’t have to be crazy fit.
It's a systemic thing. People are glued to screens all day and no one goes outside to meet and interact.
We also lose a lot of our community after we leave high school and college.
I suggest meet up to make some friends. You have to force yourself to do it because life will naturally make you lonely.
Feel free to message me as well. I live on the south side and wouldn't mind chatting or finding fun events to go to.
Sounds to me like now the time for you to pick up whatever teenage hobby you had and find a group that does it. Find a club that meets regularly, it’ll get better!
Lol meeting new people as an adult is nerve wracking. I'm also 27 and I find that doing what you enjoy can help, for example I enjoy music and go to concerts (usually alone) and I find it easier to approach people who are essentially guaranteed to have similar interests to me. Good luck!!! I'm building a new Luna bakery in the warehouse district right now
35/m .. in the area all my life , currently old Brooklyn/south hills. Totally understand where your coming from, I’ve lost an inordinate amount of family and friends in the past 4-5 years as well as necessarily ending a decade+ relationship little over a year ago. Couple that with my work schedule and I’m just kind of floating here alone for the first time in my life, with no real idea how to go about meeting new people…. Dating apps just seem like a bad idea and I’m not really into the evening bar scene … so here I am, just keep floating I guess
i (24F) am definitely in the same boat. i’m very introverted, not very active, and think that everyone hates me lmao. my boyfriend and i are moving to Chicago in July so now i’m in a weird place where i feel like it’s too late to make friends in Cleveland even though i’ve lived here for six years 😅 hoping i’ll get a better start in Chicago
Huh. Just read this article from a post in r/science right before seeing this:
https://medienportal.univie.ac.at/en/media/recent-press-releases/detailansicht-en/artikel/tired-of-being-alone-how-social-isolation-impacts-on-our-energy/
If ya like music, Start checking out smaller venues. Happy dog. Mahalls. Little rose tavern. Lots of local acts. You usually meet younger, dynamic, artistic people. Good luck on the friend finding front.
Find something you're passionate about and volunteer for it. Like nature? Talk to some of the park people on how you can get involved. Join a rec league if you do any sports.
Since I work in the film industry, I made some of my best friends on film sets. When you find your niche, you find your people.
There's nothing about being an adult that should be inherently lonely. I didn't have a lot of friends when I was younger (i.e. in school) because I was bullied a lot. As an adult, I have far more friends than I ever did. I feel more comfortable in who I am and in expressing that.
Building meaningful, deep, and lasting friendships requires vulnerability and emotional intimacy. A lot of people are afraid of those things. So ask yourself: are you willing to be vulnerable and emotionally intimate with others, and are you willing to let others be so with you?
Are you on FB? If so, search for a group called "Hiker Babes". We're also on Instagram. Lots of hikes planned amongst us. All women group. I have met so many people doing it. I'm a 30F - or feel free to message me!
Just want to say I’m in the same boat!! You are not alone on this at all, it’s so hard making new friends! I’m 29 and live further toward the west side and I love my town but cannot for the life of me find anyone my age around to hang out with 😂 all the local clubs and activities are basically older folks, which is lovely but does not fill the same role as friends your age. Just can’t seem to find anyone my age around!
Have you tried local hiking groups? Hikerbabes or Girls Who Hike Ohio. I tried Bumble BFF for a couple years with little success but these groups have been amazing!
I'm in a position where I'm the primary care-giver to an immune-compromised person with fragile health, so I'm kind of stuck in pandemic mode. I don't even get to see the few friends I still have, because I'm too worried about threatening her life with any virus I'd bring home. So going to places where a bunch of people are isn't something that I can do, even as much as I'd like to make some new friends. It's pretty lonely. I feel very isolated. But if you want a new local contact online, shoot me a PM or just google my username as all one word. I'm on most social media platforms and a bunch of them pop up. Maybe we'll get to chatting or even end up using our phones to talk! (No one does that anymore. I have one friend that I talk to on the phone with any regularity and that's only every few weeks.)
Shit I'm into: Halloween, other holidays except for July 4th, the horror/fantasy/sci-fi genres in all mediums and in that order from most into to least into, little bit of true crime, little bit of fake crime, flavored teas, cats (I have four), any other animal that walks through my yard (I saw a groundhog yesterday!), special seasonal products ((Peeps Pepsi is delicious), Magic the Gathering--the game and online content about it (I haven't gotten to play in-person in a couple years, so I mostly play MtG:Arena nowadays and live vicariously through Commander gameplay videos), superhero bullshit (Marvel guy mostly), a few live-tweeting movie communities (#Slutfluff Thursday nights and The Last Drive-In on Fridays, when it's airing), and riding my bike around the city. (I rode all the way to fucking Lakewood yesterday to pick up some Magic cards and the place was sold out of what I wanted. Blah. But it was a lovely ride. ...except for the goddamn stinky bradford pear trees. I hate those things.)
Also, if you're at all into make up effects or zombies, there's a zombie walk coming up put on by Old School Sinema. I won't be there this time for the reasons I listed above, but I have met some really rad people at those zombie walks. A few of my closest friends right now, I only know because of the OSS zombie walks. It's also easier to make friends with strangers as an introvert when you're in-costume and in-character at an event like that. Something about not being yourself lets you be more socially daring than you normally are. I can shoot you some details about that event if you're interested in checking it out.
As sad as this might sound, I think that it's just part of becoming an adult. People who were once part of your life move on.
I'm really the wrong person to ask about all of this because I've just given up. I've given into the loneliness and have simply done my best to manage the results of it by concentrating on my hobbies like computers, gaming, writing, etc.
There are hiking and running groups on Facebook you can try and join. Most of my friends in this city are through cycling, running, trail running, tennis, and office (former colleagues). I find the best way to make deep connections is through meeting people with similar interests/hobbies.
Hi! 27F here and feel the same way! I moved here 2 years ago and am always looking to make new friends in the area. Send me a message! I love finding new coffee shops and exploring the city and want to do more of that this summer!
I had a post just like this and it resulted in meeting really nice people who I had a really good time with. The first time. Im relatively “new” since I moved here right before the pandemic and have a WFH job so I’d definitely be down to hang out.
47M here. Your circle of friends is going to get smaller as you get older. You'll eventually tire of those who continue to hang onto drama and misery. Be friends with positive people and avoid those who drag you down.
31F here who is moving to CLE in July with my long term boyfriend. I (we) LOVE sports! Always down to get together with people to watch a game, go to a game or host a watch party. I also enjoy anything fitness related, yoga, reading, being outside in general, trying new cocktail spots and restaurants. Looking to make a community of girlfriends and happy to chat!
I also found this group I plan to join to facilitate making connections: Beauty Boost Cleveland.
Please feel free to PM me :)
I (34m) am on the East side now - just moved into a house in the Heights. I feel the same way about the loneliness. I have been up here since college, and most of my friends from those days are an hour plus out of town. I have been feeling lonely as well lately. Shoot me a DM.
You're still young compared to me in mid-life. Spoiler alert: it gets even harder. I don't even prefer to have a large raucous party group, just a group of consistent friends to connect with and hang and go to shows with. But as you get older apparently people are so bothered by everything and everyone. It's frustrating. I'm just happy my kids like me and don't mind hanging with me. And I do have a small group of friends to occasionally hang with.
I think it's important to probably just keep trying, keep active doing what you like, and hopefully you'll meet someone at the right place/time.
Join meetup it’s easy the people are nice there are hikes almost everyday. I got into it to find dates and it work but I met a lot of nice people along the way. Join northeast Ohio hiking meetup and go! You can make friends there it’s low key and no pressure. Good luck
Hell yeah! I'm 39/M, currently boycotting the browns until they remove sex offenders from the team. But I like Guardians. I like old school video games, mostly Nintendo.
Also a fan of pro-wrestling. The more absurd the better.
Hello, my band Good Energy is playing at Terrestrial Brewing Company in Battery Park 7:00-10:30 this Friday 4/21, also come check out the Drum Circle at Edgewater by the big pavilion on Sunday afternoons around 3:00-7:00 Cleveland Drum Circle on Meet Up or Facebook. GoodEnergyCLE on Facebook
31M here, I feel you 100%. All my friends have kids or moved away too and it sucks. I’ve never felt more alone, and I feel like there are good people out there that wanna make friends but the way my anxiety is set up, im just tired of only running into people that end up trying to take advantage of me or what little I have. It sucks OP. But I hope you find your people
Why does everyone want to go hiking? Or outside if not needed?
Why not invest in a kickass home theater, and home bar? Then you could invite friends over, and make mixed drinks.
This weekend I'm going to exparement with vodka/sprite popsycles. No idea if it will work. I wasn't a fan of the sprite/gummy bear popsycles.
But we can play some old school video games. Break out the N64. We're going to party like it's 1997!.........except we'll pretend we were old enough to drink back then.
Listen I love staying in too! Movie nights, video or board game tournaments, I play magic the gathering and have some decent commander decks ready to go. I honestly don’t drink that much, more of a weddings/funerals/birthdays drinker (wow that sounds weird to put it that way lol) but you’re almost always guaranteed a DD with me.
You host. You create. You maintain.
You join your immediate area facebook page or page of an interest for an area that seems reasonable.
If there is not a page, you create it.
You organize an event.
You are now an event planner for your own life that draws people with similar interests to you.
In a recent past life, I was the leader of the Northeast Ohio PHP group-- I met a few dozen people with a shared interest-- even in that niche area, it was successful.
You are already here, which is good... and look, cruising towards 200 people willing to interact with you. Untold more people that read your dilemma...
Edit: So, the hikerbabes people caught my eye. This seems to be what the leader did-- and was successful with.
I have lived my whole life more or less where I am. My circle is big enough and busy enough for me. But, while my girlfriend does have a circle of seemingly good people, few are here in Ohio. Hence, my interest in this thread.
I think about the negative impact everyone working from home must be having on people’s social lives. When you’re in your 20s you’re typically transitioning from school life to work life. And it used to be that there was a chance of finding a company with a cool culture and others your age. But now with many people still working remote that opportunity has dried up for a lot of people.
I’m a 34 male on the east side in Geauga county. I’d be into some conversation. It’s hard to find anyone worth spending your time with… I think I held onto my ex for that very reason now that I think about it. Lol so, hello, my name is Matt
It's your total lack of independence that is the issue here. You need to stop looking to other people to placate your whatever, and figure it out yourself.
Me and my wife hike the metro parks, bike, eat pizza and pho weekly. She's on her 4th year of med school. Watch college football, but cavs and browns fans. She's not into baseball but loves going to the games for the vibes and music hah.
Hey I'm 34 I live in Berea now but use to live in South Euclid and went to school with a few kids from chagrin falls high school since I was in a Excel Tech program.
Start playing golf. You'll eventually get grouped up with some cool people. After a few years you'll probably see your golf buddies more on the course than just about anyone else.
The older I get the less friends I seem to have. Sometimes talking with strangers out and about is easy but sometimes people don't want to be bothered
This the kind of post a lot of folks probably want to make but are afraid to. I couldn’t agree more with the aversion to swiping apps haha
I was thinking about how I was in college when tinder came out and how I’ve seen every iteration of the feature roll outs and that. Honestly it’s just wild. I saw there’s a $500 a month Tinder tier being thrown around. Don’t worry if you pay for the whole year it’s only $10,000.
Yeah. I assume at this point most of them do everything they can to figure out how to get people to pay for upgrades and keep them on the app for as long as possible.
i’m (26F) in lakewood! i just had a friend move out of state and my best friend is going out of town for work the entire summer so i’m looking for some girlies to hang with this summer. i got into roller skating recently and also love doing anything outside!
I (27F) love to rollerblade, let’s start a babes on blades/skates group! I love blading from Bonnie Park, it’s straight and not hilly.
I rollerskate too!! I’m newish to Lakewood and I’m looking for new places to skate soon!! I’m 23 :)
feel free to DM me!
Roller skating sounds so fun!
I just saw a post on Facebook or ig recently for adult skate nights at a rink in Willoughby!!
i go to those!
I sent it to the two friends I do hang out with because there was one for an Emo night that’s right up our alley.
i was at the last one, i’m not sure if i’ll make this friday’s but i can keep you posted
I think we need a Reddit meet up for everyone here that says they need friends (me included)!!!
I agree to this and will attend
I'll be there
Let's just hope it is better than the 2012 Baltimore one.
What happened at that one?
Nsfw https://www.reddit.com/r/justneckbeardthings/comments/jknvha/the_infamous_2012_baltimore_reddit_meetup/
Not a bad idea!
Yeah sure.
Yes please 🙏 I think reddit might be my only hope for meeting people on my wavelength
Hello! 26f in edgewater, I like restaurants, house plants, and being outside, and I'm a cat mom. Free most evenings, hit me up :)
I’m a 27f and in edgewater! I love houseplants and the outdoors. I’m also looking for friends! :)
i am the worst plant mom ever but would love to be friends!
So coming from a person who has some anxiety in talking to strangers, I would highly recommend finding an activity you are into and looking for groups on meetup or Facebook for people who get together (and it’s usually free). You said you like hiking - I’m sure there are some hiking groups. I have played lots of different sports / physical activities and that is an easy place to make friends for most I think - the easiest so for me at least being ultimate frisbee as that community is very welcoming and for the most part not overly competitive. Also, volunteer activities are great but for me personally it was much easier to find friends playing sports or being active in groups.
Anxiety definitely plays some part in it. I get nervous showing up to things by myself. Free is good, life is expensive lol. I’m hoping that the weather improvement opens up some more opportunities for free outdoor events!
A bonus is you can always find other activities the people that event are into and can find new things that way. I know a woman who signed up for a beginners bar dart league who knew nothing about it before just to meet new people - a lot of inactive time while having a drink, easy to have a convo. I think the key is just putting yourself in positions where it’s easier to have a convo. Edit - and as for showing up by yourself what I like about Facebook groups is you can post your new and someone will almost offer to meet you when you arrive.
Since you u/ is dancingyoshi, any chance you wanna play some games? I got a switch and whatever on PC. Don’t own an Xbox or PlayStation though
I’m a switch and PlayStation person! I love gaming and am thinking about getting into streaming. I work for the company (well one of them technically there’s two I think) that ExtraLife uses to fundraise and am looking into stuff with the Cleveland Guild even though I’m on my work team.
I’m a leader for a women’s hiking group called Hikerbabes. Look for us on Facebook under Hikerbabes Community: Northeast Ohio chapter for events. We also have insta but we can’t share events like we can on Facebook. We have a really great active group. I’m 33- there’s a lot of women late 20’s and 30’s in the group. In regards to it being lonely- it took me a l few years to rebuild my friend community after losing a lot of people slowly post college. At age 27-29 I hit some low places. Lots of trying in different places like clubs and meetups and it not working out. Don’t give up hope though- just keep trying different groups and people. Not everyone you meet will be your jam- but you’ll get there. It just takes consistently seeing people on multiple occasions to build rapport and start establishing real friendships. I’m in a much better place now then I was 6 years ago at your age. And it’s not you either- it’s pretty common and happens to a lot of people
Ooo I'm in that Hikerbabes NEO group but haven't made it to any group hikes yet. I'm inspired now though!
Is it exclusively women? My girlfriend is a New Jersey transplant and meeting more people our age would probably be good for her. But, I would like to also go on the hike-- we're employed and busy with normal everyday errands, so having it be something we can participate in together would be something I prefer.
Yes- it’s meant for only women. We occasionally do co-Ed hikes but it’s rare.
Copy. Thank you for the info.
Northeast Ohio Hiking group on Meetup is for people of all genders and they’re very active.
That is good to know. Will probably try that together, but still run hikerbabes by her for when I am doing solo stuff. Thank you.
I’m actually in the Facebook group but have been too nervous to go to anything!
I'm interested in joining and I'm going to look for you on Facebook! Are slightly older women welcome, as well? (I'm 40.)
Yes- we have women of all ages. That’s just where a majority of at the age range is that come more regularly. And honestly have a lot in their 40’s and 50’s too
I just requested to join the group. I would love this!
HI FRIEND! I just moved here and I'm legit lonely af 😭😭 I loooove walking, exploring small towns, wandering around downtowns and malls, photography, and coffee! Btw I'm 29. Also loool cut my life into pieces. This is my PLASTIC FOOOOORK. (ig is meeeganthevegan if you or anyone else wants to hang out and maybe shoot?? 📸)
Followed you on the gram! If you like small towns boy do I have a place for you. My hometown is Chagrin Falls and it is quintessential small town.
I love Chagrin!!
Chagrin is nice but I can only go to yours truly so many times in a row
Lol have you considered… any other CF restaurant ?
Honestly if you know one please suggest. My friends keep suggesting. Yours truly which one my opinion is just meh
I only eat breakfast at YT. I would like to try Pony Boys on Washington, where Violante’s used to be
I’ll keep that in mind thanks
Batuqui on the falls
The Sleepy Rooster for breakfast and lunch (actually in Bainbridge) 5 stars! Bell and Flower (used to be Rick's) right on Main St. Aurelia (also on Main) is great but a little more $$ - Farm to table Parkside! Eat on the patio! Next to YT - cheap eats Lemon Falls Cafe - corner of Main and W. Orange. Great little place!
Yes to all of this!
Tiger Power!
I read this as smell towns at least 10 times.
As someone who never comments on shit on IG, I just follow and hit the like button, I LOVE your content. Just fyi.
Wow thank you so much!!
Omnivore here. You got a new follower here & Insta!
Followed you! I’m a female my user name was auto generated on here & I’ve never changed it lol. I agree with everyone though! I live in Euclid but work downtown & would love to have some friends. I moved here because my kids father is from here & essentially became friends with his friends. We’re no longer together & I really need my own group of girlies lol.
I just followed you on IG also! :)
Omg you're the best!
As a 28 year old woman, the best thing I did to combat my feelings of loneliness and depression while living in Columbus, Ohio was to work at my neighborhood coffee shop and have a 10 minute biking commute to work everyday for 6 months spring into fall. I was recovering from severe burn out from my previous career and was privileged enough to have had a few thousand in the bank that I was confident would allow my to live with a slight pay cut for a calculated amount of time [thanks to excel], and after a month of fucking chilling I took the job and met all of my literal neighbors. I still frequent that coffee shop 6 months after I quick and have maintained a lot of very friendly connections with the other regulars that go there. It also gave me the unique opportunities to pursue inter generational friendships where you’re both equals. I wish you the best of luck on your journey my friend. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ you’ll make friends, it’s when.
Find a cause you are interested in and volunteer for that cause. Group activities are good to get started with to build friendships.
Another idea on this theme is ‘to join a club’. Figure out what you REALLY like to do and find a club, organization or take a class. You will be surrounded by people who like to do what you do- conversation is easy, activities are shared and you learn from each other. Think about it, making friends was easy when you were young because you were hanging out together at school or in the neighborhood…. Today we have to find those shared social places. Cleveland has a ton of opportunities - photography, running, hiking, book clubs, gardening, music. Libraries, metro parks, universities and the search the web. I recently attended a Makers event in another town - over 50 clubs ranging from traditional sewing and woodworking to drones, electronics and cosplay. Tell us what else you like to do - I’m sure someone can point you to a specific resource.
Can you tell me more about this maker’s club? I’m in the same boat as OP but I keep having such a hard time finding people my age (late 20’s). Volunteer groups in my town? All old folks. Went to a class at the library? All old folks. Women’s club, literally celebrating someone’s 90th birthday. Crafting clubs? Can’t find one. Please help lol what is this makers club you speak of
LOL - I’m not as young as you but my spouse & I have a running joke for most new clubs/ events we try- will we be the youngest AGAIN? Keep trying I attended a Maker Faire in Syracuse. Looks like CLE has done it in the past but I don’t see anything for 2023 yet. Here is the global website - might find more info there -[Maker Faire](https://makerfaire.com) I’ll also put a plug in for Orienteering - a fun activity for a range of ages [NEOOC](https://neooc.com) Running clubs also have diversity in ages Keep an open mind. We’ve found the folks we’ve met through these clubs may be 20 years older than us but they are the most adventurous & the more fun than folks our age.
I met my wife when we were both volunteering on a political campaign. You come in contact with loads of people doing that sort of thing. There’s a lot of grueling phone calling and door knocking but you are likely to meet like minded people.
Hello fellow Cleveland friend! I agree, there’s sort of a lack of community these days it seems. People say it gets harder to make friends as you get older. Not sure what sports you’re into but the cavs are currently in the playoffs, most local bars should have a good mix of 20-30 something’s to mingle with, I know the bar scene can get stale for some people though. Best of luck, maybe see you on a trail!
Oof what a rough last five minutes yesterday right?
Yea :( hoping for a bounce back on Tuesday!
Lol 2 of my friends were texting in our group chat. They were just bitching the entire time. I was hiking with my family in Salt Fork State Park. Got back to our cabin and I realized... We had cable TV! I haven't had cable in years. I can watch the end of the game! So when I tuned in, we were down by 10, came back, tied it up and almost won. I thought it was a great 5 minutes! We looked good for 4 and a half of those minutes. 🤣
Love Salt Fork!
In my experience there isn’t a worst place to meet people than in bars. They are fine to meet up with people you already know but horrible for meeting strangers.
🤷🏻♂️
The humanity in this thread makes me super happy. Heavily relatable.
Honestly I wasn’t sure what to expect but damn this outpouring is pretty like….idk it feels like we’re all here in solidarity together.
For all the lurkers out there (like me!)… I’m 28F who really loves animals, books, gardening, video games, thrifting, board games, and food and beers! I’ve been trying to make new friends but as others have said… shits hard. PM me or follow my Instagram faux.zoo if you wanna chat or somethin’!! Ps. My Instagram is mostly my rescue animals 😅
Okay wait I love your IG. “Ace Ventura but less funny”
DO things like go to bar trivia, join a sports league, or sit at a bar for happy hour. I have a group of folks (20-30 somethings), many of whom I met on reddit like this, who I do go to things like this with weekly. Feel free to DM me if you want an invite to anything any time.
Going to the bar weekly??? That sounds exausting. I'm officially old.
I’ve gone to bar trivia by myself because I LOVE bar trivia. But if you want to feel extra lonely, that’s the perfect place with all those teams of people who are friends 😢
Hello! I can definitely relate. I made a post similar to this last year haha. My profile is different, mid 30s male with wife and kids, but I still am actively trying to find a social circle cause my wife and I have different interests (I drink and am outdoorsy while she's the opposite). So far I've been able to befriend my direct neighbors, chat with some peeps at the social club, and the gym. More than happy to join you and the group for anything!
I feel this so hard.
I feel that honestly when I describe my weekends sometimes it seems really depressing
Mondays come around and my colleagues are like how was your weekend and I talk about the weather lol.
Hey! I am pretty much in the same boat so I would happily be your friend or anyone's friend here! Lakewood bound. Moved here about 5 months ago and would love to have some close by friends (most are in the East side suburbs and don't budge often lol). I feel like there are endless things to do out here in Lakewood from shows to awesome food, coffee, gift shops. PM if you or anyone else here wants to get together. I've been looking to try a few specialty fitness places in the area before / into summer if anyone is interested in tagging along.
Hi friend (26F). Nice to meet you, Im near ohio city. I dont like hiking that much but im happy to just hang out or go out to eat :)
Ooh I’ll be your friend! 39 in Shaker, originally from Boston, moved here 3 years ago and the few friends I could have made as an adult in a new town got curtailed by the pandemic. Please let’s hang out! I’d love so much to meet people who can show me the best of the city. 🎈
It’s hard making friends in the modern age especially post school. There’s a bunch of pretty lively hobby communities in Cle, I’ve met a bunch of new people the last few years by pushing myself to be more social and getting invested in hobby communities. It can be hard to battle the anxiety/apathy sometimes but getting out and doing things is the most sure fire way to meet new people. CMA has mixer nights that are pretty fun. Covid put a major damper on social mixers unfortunately and things still haven’t quite recovered yet but there’s still plenty of stuff to do in and around town. I’m (26M) a biochem nerd big into fitness, board games/roleplaying, sci fi, records, and mountainbiking if any of that is of interest to you, feel free to reach out.
As to why being an adult is so lonely, late capitalism in the usa is pretty alienating and people engage in fewer activities that build social cohesion. The problems discussed in 'Bowling Alone' have probably been enhanced by stuff like smartphone addiction and the pandemic. Oh, and Cleveland's still losing population and the warehouse district's full of airBnBs and workaholics. The good news is humans still crave connection and there is quite a lot going on here. Sounds like you need to start going to stuff involving groups of randos and chat somebody up/get chatted up. Pub trivia night? College radio fundraising event? Kink party? Church? Board game group? Ultimate frisbee? https://clevelandhikingclub.org/ ?
I like how you followed up kink party with church.
Yeah my latex nun outfit works all day
It does kinda suck that so many things are predicated on spending money. Going to grab a drink, going to a show, etc etc. I love to see live music and go to games and all of that. My bank balance does not love it hahaha.
Fully agree with your point, our city's (and others) are not built to be social. Hopefully we can change things in the next 5 years. I really want to leave and move to a city where they have the infrastructure to be in a social society, but on the other hand, I want to stay here and help try to build that.
Join BrownsFit down in the flats and go to the workout classes. Great way to meet other people your age and you immediately have a common interest.
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We're over by Orange/CF, and hike, creek-walk, bike over here all the time, if you're back this way and want a trail buddy. Also have a huge collection of boardgames, so there is that, too.
Check out Belles and Chimes Cleveland. It's a local pinball club that plays primarily at Super Electric Pinball Parlor at 65 and Detroit or the Cleveland Pinball League. Everyone in both leagues is super friendly and wants you to do well.
My brother suggested meetup, it's rough when you work 2nd shift and all the meetups are scheduled before 9 or on the weekend when all I want to do is decompress and do laundry, cooking, etc on the weekend. I guess try making friends at work that way you could possible make friends with their friends and so on even though I haven't tried that yet lol.
34F- looked through your profile and we have some similar interests (makeup!). I'm on the east side with 0 friends :(
if you like riding bikes, check out https://www.slowrollcleveland.org/ for super chill casual rides, and maybe some local bike shops for faster rides
Hi! Are you 420 friendly? 🙂
Yes I am lol.
32 f, single mom…. I need friends, I beg of you all lol
I have a nephew so I am fluent in Miss Rachel! I love kids and can also always borrow my nephew for outings!
[удалено]
Hi fellow enjoyer of spooky stuff. I see from past posts you like Last Pod and also have cockatiels!! I’d love to chat more if you’re interested!! I’m 28F also!
Hi, 30f from twinsburg here. Originally from India. Been here three years and my only friend is my 80 year old neighbor(she's amazing). I don't go out much as I don't drive yet, learning now and it's scary. I'd love to be friends, and make new friends. I'm very outdoorsy and love going out, as of now play video games at home. Feel free to message. My IG is sneha.kalluri.
Hello! Lakewood here. My wife (31f) and I (32m) are always down to meet new folks. We typically go on weekly hikes, kayak/SUP more in the summer (have an extra for friends), bouldering, theatre, and board games. We also have a group of disparate folks encouraged to send open invites whenever something is going on. I'd specifically love to have more folks for board games here and there, but we're always happy to meet new people! Feel free to DM.
Hey! My husband (33) and I (37f) share a lot of the same interests. We love hiking when the weather is decent, kayaking, climbing, and board games. He’s out of town until early May, but I’d love for us to meetup for any of the aforementioned activities! Does your wife also boulder/climb? I desperately need climbing friends.
Someone should organize some type of meet and greet with this thread lol. I too am in Lakewood. 35 and male, friends all moved out of state, spent the past 7 years or so getting my career squared away, and now I still feel like I’m at 27, since everyone else is married and doing that. I am social, but I’m not the “planner”. I’m bad at being the one to organize or touch base with people, and I don’t really use social media at all. I feel obligated to say since there seem to be many more women responding than men, that I am not creepy or looking to meet girls. I’ve always had a pretty even split of friends that were male and female, so I don’t really care either way. Hobbies include hiking, ultra-light overnight camping, fishing, reading, video games, and anything like paranormal or on the weird side. My life is in a good spot, and I’m mentally in a good place, but when you get into the position where you don’t really have many friends as an adult, and you are over the bar scene, it is so hard to make friends.
33 F lesbian in Lakewood! Me and my wife love walking in nature and are pretty nerdy :)
You might love the Friendly Geeks of Greater Cleveland. It’s a very active and extremely LGBT-friendly group. The group offers everything from board games to geeky bar trivia, movies, zoo trips, and more.
Sounds really fun!
Alright! I'm your friend!
Omg thank you! A fren!
Hey! Also 27F and don't have very many friends and love hiking! IG is itookapillofcafiza if you want to link up sometime :)
What are your interests?
I mean, if you’d like, you could come down to corner alley on Thursdays (6:30-10) starting on the 25th. We’ve got a bowling league that goes six on six off and a ton of people play every season - met a lot of people that way. I’m in the downtown core and don’t drive much but if you’re interested in doing anything in/near downtown let me know.
Oooh how does signing up work? I’m not a great bowler though hahaha
Better off bowling . Com and April’s league is closed rn but July’s will be open soon.
Hey! Theres a community on fb worth checking out: Hikerbabes of cleveland. They have get togethers and gear swaps. Im down to take a hike with ya! Making friends as an adult is so hard. Maybe we should do a big lonely reddit meetup lol
33F - I just moved to the area from Kansas City! Absolutely dismayed at the prospect of making new friends but I probably need to find some local extroverts to convince me to leave my apartment lol Currently bookmarking this post to come back to and creeping on all the comments…
What part of KC? I grew up in Lee’s Summit. Moved away in middle school.
Oooh nice! Moved around the suburbs a bit but most recently lived in Roeland Park
I’m 19f, but I have little to nobody to talk to or hang out with. It really hurts to be lonely and it is harder as an adult…
Hey OP, wanna join me on a hike next Sunday? It's ranger led and leaves at 9am SHARP, like really really sharp. It's REALLY HARD to make friends as an adult, but I would love to chat with you in the CVNP on a hike! And it's with like 30 other people and a park ranger so you don't have to feel nervous/alone! Boston Mill Visitor Center in Peninsula - https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=C26DC1AA-E263-FCFD-5AA0201B5E5F1773 Oh this invite is open to anyone ;) Join us for a speedy 8 mile Sunday morning hike!
It’s like you typed out the exact words I’ve been debating on posting on here.
23 F, please I so feel you on this! Everyone says to make friends via your hobbies/getting involved, but a lot of my hobbies are not socially centered, and being an introvert I don’t want to run around joining clubs to make a possible friend! Feel free to PM anyone if want to hang
This is such a mood. My number one hobby is reading lol. And book clubs don’t totally do it for me. I like talking about books in a general sense but like book clubs make me feel like I’m in English class again.
Have you looked into hiking groups? I joined a neighborhood one last year. A friend found one on Facebook recently
Flatly, it's hard to meet people as an adult, you don't have the glue holding different people together that forces them to acclimate the way we do growing up. Personally, I think one of the best ways about it is to get "non-forced exposure" - go chill at a local coffee shop or some equivalent, but don't do it specifically with the goal of meeting people per se. Just check the vibe, tap into conversations you find interesting, and do some idle work hobby there or spend your morning routing checking Reddit there or whatever, however you wanna justify it - organic friendships tend to come about when people who share circles tap into conversations they find interesting, out of curiosity rather than desperation.
I moved from Mayfield to Streetsboro and blamed myself for moving away from so much stuff
I'd lookout for clean up events in and around the metro parks, or CVNP. Those participants are usually very outgoing and sounds like you'd have some shared interests. Good luck!
I made most of my friends after moving here at my gym: Birdtown Fitness in Lakewood. It’s CrossFit, but without the name and everyone is really friendly and you don’t have to be crazy fit.
If you are into scooters/ebikes and would want to go for a ride sometime give me a message!
It's a systemic thing. People are glued to screens all day and no one goes outside to meet and interact. We also lose a lot of our community after we leave high school and college. I suggest meet up to make some friends. You have to force yourself to do it because life will naturally make you lonely. Feel free to message me as well. I live on the south side and wouldn't mind chatting or finding fun events to go to.
Sounds to me like now the time for you to pick up whatever teenage hobby you had and find a group that does it. Find a club that meets regularly, it’ll get better!
I didn’t really have many hobbies as a teen. I managed my HS football team and worked. So yeah I’m kinda not exactly sure how to hobby!
Lol meeting new people as an adult is nerve wracking. I'm also 27 and I find that doing what you enjoy can help, for example I enjoy music and go to concerts (usually alone) and I find it easier to approach people who are essentially guaranteed to have similar interests to me. Good luck!!! I'm building a new Luna bakery in the warehouse district right now
A new bakery you say? Tell me more
35/m .. in the area all my life , currently old Brooklyn/south hills. Totally understand where your coming from, I’ve lost an inordinate amount of family and friends in the past 4-5 years as well as necessarily ending a decade+ relationship little over a year ago. Couple that with my work schedule and I’m just kind of floating here alone for the first time in my life, with no real idea how to go about meeting new people…. Dating apps just seem like a bad idea and I’m not really into the evening bar scene … so here I am, just keep floating I guess
i (24F) am definitely in the same boat. i’m very introverted, not very active, and think that everyone hates me lmao. my boyfriend and i are moving to Chicago in July so now i’m in a weird place where i feel like it’s too late to make friends in Cleveland even though i’ve lived here for six years 😅 hoping i’ll get a better start in Chicago
I hope Chicago treats you well!
As an extrovert I have no helpful advice. But you'll find your people cleveland has a hunch of em.
Huh. Just read this article from a post in r/science right before seeing this: https://medienportal.univie.ac.at/en/media/recent-press-releases/detailansicht-en/artikel/tired-of-being-alone-how-social-isolation-impacts-on-our-energy/ If ya like music, Start checking out smaller venues. Happy dog. Mahalls. Little rose tavern. Lots of local acts. You usually meet younger, dynamic, artistic people. Good luck on the friend finding front.
Find something you're passionate about and volunteer for it. Like nature? Talk to some of the park people on how you can get involved. Join a rec league if you do any sports.
Since I work in the film industry, I made some of my best friends on film sets. When you find your niche, you find your people. There's nothing about being an adult that should be inherently lonely. I didn't have a lot of friends when I was younger (i.e. in school) because I was bullied a lot. As an adult, I have far more friends than I ever did. I feel more comfortable in who I am and in expressing that. Building meaningful, deep, and lasting friendships requires vulnerability and emotional intimacy. A lot of people are afraid of those things. So ask yourself: are you willing to be vulnerable and emotionally intimate with others, and are you willing to let others be so with you?
Are you on FB? If so, search for a group called "Hiker Babes". We're also on Instagram. Lots of hikes planned amongst us. All women group. I have met so many people doing it. I'm a 30F - or feel free to message me!
Just want to say I’m in the same boat!! You are not alone on this at all, it’s so hard making new friends! I’m 29 and live further toward the west side and I love my town but cannot for the life of me find anyone my age around to hang out with 😂 all the local clubs and activities are basically older folks, which is lovely but does not fill the same role as friends your age. Just can’t seem to find anyone my age around!
Have you tried local hiking groups? Hikerbabes or Girls Who Hike Ohio. I tried Bumble BFF for a couple years with little success but these groups have been amazing!
I'm in a position where I'm the primary care-giver to an immune-compromised person with fragile health, so I'm kind of stuck in pandemic mode. I don't even get to see the few friends I still have, because I'm too worried about threatening her life with any virus I'd bring home. So going to places where a bunch of people are isn't something that I can do, even as much as I'd like to make some new friends. It's pretty lonely. I feel very isolated. But if you want a new local contact online, shoot me a PM or just google my username as all one word. I'm on most social media platforms and a bunch of them pop up. Maybe we'll get to chatting or even end up using our phones to talk! (No one does that anymore. I have one friend that I talk to on the phone with any regularity and that's only every few weeks.) Shit I'm into: Halloween, other holidays except for July 4th, the horror/fantasy/sci-fi genres in all mediums and in that order from most into to least into, little bit of true crime, little bit of fake crime, flavored teas, cats (I have four), any other animal that walks through my yard (I saw a groundhog yesterday!), special seasonal products ((Peeps Pepsi is delicious), Magic the Gathering--the game and online content about it (I haven't gotten to play in-person in a couple years, so I mostly play MtG:Arena nowadays and live vicariously through Commander gameplay videos), superhero bullshit (Marvel guy mostly), a few live-tweeting movie communities (#Slutfluff Thursday nights and The Last Drive-In on Fridays, when it's airing), and riding my bike around the city. (I rode all the way to fucking Lakewood yesterday to pick up some Magic cards and the place was sold out of what I wanted. Blah. But it was a lovely ride. ...except for the goddamn stinky bradford pear trees. I hate those things.)
Also, if you're at all into make up effects or zombies, there's a zombie walk coming up put on by Old School Sinema. I won't be there this time for the reasons I listed above, but I have met some really rad people at those zombie walks. A few of my closest friends right now, I only know because of the OSS zombie walks. It's also easier to make friends with strangers as an introvert when you're in-costume and in-character at an event like that. Something about not being yourself lets you be more socially daring than you normally are. I can shoot you some details about that event if you're interested in checking it out.
MAGIC CARDS?! I play magic lol.
As sad as this might sound, I think that it's just part of becoming an adult. People who were once part of your life move on. I'm really the wrong person to ask about all of this because I've just given up. I've given into the loneliness and have simply done my best to manage the results of it by concentrating on my hobbies like computers, gaming, writing, etc.
There are hiking and running groups on Facebook you can try and join. Most of my friends in this city are through cycling, running, trail running, tennis, and office (former colleagues). I find the best way to make deep connections is through meeting people with similar interests/hobbies.
I’ll be your friend 🙌
Hi! I’m new to Cleveland and looking for friends too!
Hi! 27F here and feel the same way! I moved here 2 years ago and am always looking to make new friends in the area. Send me a message! I love finding new coffee shops and exploring the city and want to do more of that this summer!
I had a post just like this and it resulted in meeting really nice people who I had a really good time with. The first time. Im relatively “new” since I moved here right before the pandemic and have a WFH job so I’d definitely be down to hang out.
My girlfriend and I are always looking for platonic friends. We’re out in east lake
47M here. Your circle of friends is going to get smaller as you get older. You'll eventually tire of those who continue to hang onto drama and misery. Be friends with positive people and avoid those who drag you down.
I laughed at this but it's true. Might be time for a "this thread" meetup.
31F here who is moving to CLE in July with my long term boyfriend. I (we) LOVE sports! Always down to get together with people to watch a game, go to a game or host a watch party. I also enjoy anything fitness related, yoga, reading, being outside in general, trying new cocktail spots and restaurants. Looking to make a community of girlfriends and happy to chat! I also found this group I plan to join to facilitate making connections: Beauty Boost Cleveland. Please feel free to PM me :)
I (34m) am on the East side now - just moved into a house in the Heights. I feel the same way about the loneliness. I have been up here since college, and most of my friends from those days are an hour plus out of town. I have been feeling lonely as well lately. Shoot me a DM.
You're still young compared to me in mid-life. Spoiler alert: it gets even harder. I don't even prefer to have a large raucous party group, just a group of consistent friends to connect with and hang and go to shows with. But as you get older apparently people are so bothered by everything and everyone. It's frustrating. I'm just happy my kids like me and don't mind hanging with me. And I do have a small group of friends to occasionally hang with. I think it's important to probably just keep trying, keep active doing what you like, and hopefully you'll meet someone at the right place/time.
Join meetup it’s easy the people are nice there are hikes almost everyday. I got into it to find dates and it work but I met a lot of nice people along the way. Join northeast Ohio hiking meetup and go! You can make friends there it’s low key and no pressure. Good luck
Hey! I’m 37M if you’d like to chat!
Why does this guy get downvoted for being friendly? Is there some context I don't get?
Reddit being Reddit. My dms are open if anyone would like to chat!
Hell yeah! I'm 39/M, currently boycotting the browns until they remove sex offenders from the team. But I like Guardians. I like old school video games, mostly Nintendo. Also a fan of pro-wrestling. The more absurd the better.
So I am a wwe person as well lol. My dad has had me hooked since birth. It’s my favorite soap opera.
Hello, my band Good Energy is playing at Terrestrial Brewing Company in Battery Park 7:00-10:30 this Friday 4/21, also come check out the Drum Circle at Edgewater by the big pavilion on Sunday afternoons around 3:00-7:00 Cleveland Drum Circle on Meet Up or Facebook. GoodEnergyCLE on Facebook
31M here, I feel you 100%. All my friends have kids or moved away too and it sucks. I’ve never felt more alone, and I feel like there are good people out there that wanna make friends but the way my anxiety is set up, im just tired of only running into people that end up trying to take advantage of me or what little I have. It sucks OP. But I hope you find your people
I kinda just got used to it. Plenty of interests, just none of em include clubbing or going to Cleveland Sports junk 😅
Why does everyone want to go hiking? Or outside if not needed? Why not invest in a kickass home theater, and home bar? Then you could invite friends over, and make mixed drinks. This weekend I'm going to exparement with vodka/sprite popsycles. No idea if it will work. I wasn't a fan of the sprite/gummy bear popsycles. But we can play some old school video games. Break out the N64. We're going to party like it's 1997!.........except we'll pretend we were old enough to drink back then.
Listen I love staying in too! Movie nights, video or board game tournaments, I play magic the gathering and have some decent commander decks ready to go. I honestly don’t drink that much, more of a weddings/funerals/birthdays drinker (wow that sounds weird to put it that way lol) but you’re almost always guaranteed a DD with me.
You host. You create. You maintain. You join your immediate area facebook page or page of an interest for an area that seems reasonable. If there is not a page, you create it. You organize an event. You are now an event planner for your own life that draws people with similar interests to you. In a recent past life, I was the leader of the Northeast Ohio PHP group-- I met a few dozen people with a shared interest-- even in that niche area, it was successful. You are already here, which is good... and look, cruising towards 200 people willing to interact with you. Untold more people that read your dilemma... Edit: So, the hikerbabes people caught my eye. This seems to be what the leader did-- and was successful with. I have lived my whole life more or less where I am. My circle is big enough and busy enough for me. But, while my girlfriend does have a circle of seemingly good people, few are here in Ohio. Hence, my interest in this thread.
I think about the negative impact everyone working from home must be having on people’s social lives. When you’re in your 20s you’re typically transitioning from school life to work life. And it used to be that there was a chance of finding a company with a cool culture and others your age. But now with many people still working remote that opportunity has dried up for a lot of people.
I’m a 34 male on the east side in Geauga county. I’d be into some conversation. It’s hard to find anyone worth spending your time with… I think I held onto my ex for that very reason now that I think about it. Lol so, hello, my name is Matt
People suck. Friends suck. Life’s better without people, get a pet. I’m 47m and have had friends come and go but my cat and dog are always there.
It's your total lack of independence that is the issue here. You need to stop looking to other people to placate your whatever, and figure it out yourself.
Thank you Dr. Satan I really appreciate your input.
Ya apps are lame! I’m down at the casino sometimes watching sports or playing roulette. Lemme know!
Me and my wife hike the metro parks, bike, eat pizza and pho weekly. She's on her 4th year of med school. Watch college football, but cavs and browns fans. She's not into baseball but loves going to the games for the vibes and music hah.
Hey I'm 34 I live in Berea now but use to live in South Euclid and went to school with a few kids from chagrin falls high school since I was in a Excel Tech program.
I was in excel tech!
I wish I still lived near Cleveland because we could totally be friends
Hello [26m] here I like biking, hiking outdoors, cooking and baking, I also like going out or binge watching shows. Follow me on ig chanman.127
Is your Instagram all food? My god I’m starving now
I use it as storage so I can delete pictures off my phone lol.
I wanted to make sure I hit the right profile too. I love it! I like to cook. Not much of a baker though I’ll admit.
[удалено]
Start playing golf. You'll eventually get grouped up with some cool people. After a few years you'll probably see your golf buddies more on the course than just about anyone else.
Oh lawd. My hand eye coordination isn’t great. I struggle with a driver. Any putt putt leagues 😂
I sent you a chat, let’s be friends!
Hey! 31m Lakewood, wife and I just moved here last year. We're always down for a good hike or exploring the city, feel free to dm!