10 Ways to Make New Friends in Kansas City
While Kansas City is a great place to live and is known for its barbeque, baseball, jazz, trains, and fountains, it can still feel lonely. How do you make a big city feel less lonely?
Whether you have recently relocated to the Kansas City area or you are going through a breakup or divorce, feeling lonely and isolated only adds to your stress. You may find that not having a best friend was ok when you were married or dating, but when a relationship ends you lose one of the primary ways to comfort yourself.
Inventory Your Current Interests and Resources
So if you find yourself in a new place and in need of growing your social and friendship network, it's time to brainstorm where to meet new people. Use your current interests and habits to brainstorm ways to meet new friends. Start by listing out all the things you like to do, all the groups and places you like to go, and anything you want to learn.
In doing so, you may find that you already have some people that you can cultivate friendships with and some places where you can meet new people. Or, if you need some fresh ideas on where to meet people, groups may be a great place to start.
10 Ways to Meet New Friends in Kansas City
I’m going to share 10 ideas on how to meet new people in the Kansas City area by finding, starting, or joining a group. It may take you longer to get to know people in a group setting, but it’s a great start knowing that you share an interest in a particular activity or cause. Then, once you find a few people you want to get to know better, you can focus your energy on those relationships. (Learn the 4 steps to making friendships as an adult here.)
Find a Group
Explore MeetUp.com: This is a social networking website that connects people to offline activities in your area. Look up your own interests, such as writing, hiking, cooking, photography, dancing, gaming, etc, and see who's already meeting up to enjoy the activities you enjoy too.
Network: Let your acquaintances know that you are looking to meet new people and make new friends. Be clear that you are looking for friendship and social networking. Ask them to keep you in mind if they are part of a group or event that may be a good fit for you.
Connect with College Alumni: Whether you are a recent college grad or it's been many years since college, connecting with others who also went to your college can give you a common ground to start conversations. Do a Google search for your fraternity, sorority, or college alumni group.
Start a Group
Throw a Neighborhood Party: Invite your neighbors over for a barbeque, bonfire, wine tasting, game night, or Television show watch party. Or for something ongoing, you could invite neighbors to join a book club or regular activity.
Create Season Ticket Holder Club: Ask your co-workers if they want to get season tickets with you to your favorite thing to do whether it's KC Symphony, Starlight theater, Chiefs football, or Royals baseball.
Start Church Support Group: If you visit or attend a church organization regularly, there are probably various social and service groups you can join. Or if you see a need where a group isn't being served and that group includes you, then start a support group at your church.
Join a Group
Volunteer for Cause: Think about what causes or organizations you are passionate about and be open to meeting new like-minded people when you volunteer at an event. It could be helping out with a political campaign or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Wayside Waifs, Pro Deo, and more.
Take a Class: Think about what you want to learn more about. Then find where those classes are offered from yoga studios, fitness centers, community colleges, libraries, and even the KC Art Institute.
Participate in a Sport: If you love sports and fitness, you can check out recreational leagues at your city's parks and recreation department. Or for leagues, tailgates, 5 Ks, and more check out the KC Crew.
Audition for Theater: If you love to sing, dance, or act, audition for a community theater production, KC Renessaince Festival, or even the Coterie Theatre.
What has been your favorite way to meet new people and make new friends in the Kansas City area?
Marci Payne, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri
Learn more about individual therapy for adults in Kansas City here