Lewis Conrad5 months agoI’m a 19-year-old male living in the UK, and I’m currently in a good mental space where I’m open to starting a relationship. I really want to meet someone to share my time and experiences with, but I’m not sure how to go about finding them. The challenge is that I don’t go out much—I mostly stay indoors and keep to myself. There aren’t many people in my local area to meet, and I tend to avoid larger groups of people. While I want to find someone important to me, I’m genuinely struggling to figure out how to meet people. I rarely meet new people in real life, and I’m unsure about the best places or ways to go about it. Any advice on how I can start meeting people or where I could meet someone for a potential relationship would be really appreciated. Advice and Suggestions: It sounds like you are in a great mental space to start building a relationship, and it's fantastic that you're open to that possibility. Since you mentioned that you don't meet new people much in person, here are some ways you can start expanding your social circle and increase your chances of meeting someone special: 1. Online Dating Apps and Websites Since you prefer staying indoors and there aren't many people around locally, online dating can be a very effective way to meet potential partners. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or even niche sites like OkCupid can help you connect with people based on your location and preferences. Dating apps also allow you to get to know someone before meeting in person, which might help ease the anxiety of socializing. Be honest and clear in your profile about what you're looking for, and make sure to take your time getting to know someone before moving to real-life meetings. 2. Local Events and Activities Look for events in your local area that align with your interests. Whether it’s a local book club, hobby group, sports team, or art class, there are often low-key gatherings that aren’t overwhelming or too large. Even if you prefer staying to yourself, you may find a comfortable and meaningful way to connect with others in small settings. Local community centers, libraries, or even apps like Meetup can be a great starting point for finding small groups with shared interests. 3. Social Media and Online Communities Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit can be great places to interact with people in a low-pressure environment. If you find groups or pages that align with your hobbies or interests, you can begin by interacting with posts or commenting. Many people form strong friendships and relationships from social media interactions, and it could be a more comfortable starting point for you to meet someone. 4. Work or Volunteering If you’re working or studying, that can be a natural place to meet new people. While you may not meet someone directly in your immediate circle, there might be opportunities for group activities or after-work social events where you could meet like-minded people. Volunteering is also a great way to meet individuals with shared values and interests. Plus, it’s a way to give back to the community and develop new relationships in a low-pressure, meaningful setting. 5. Focus on Building Friendships First Since you prefer staying indoors and don’t want to rush into dating, consider focusing on building friendships first. Meeting new people doesn’t always have to start with the intention of immediately dating—forming connections with others can naturally lead to deeper relationships. By putting effort into making friends, you might find that a meaningful romantic relationship develops more organically from those connections. 6. Take It Slow and Be Patient Building a connection with someone meaningful takes time, and it’s important not to rush the process. Keep an open mind, but also be patient with yourself. Sometimes, the right person will come into your life unexpectedly. Try not to pressure yourself too much to find someone—let things unfold naturally. 7. Work on Self-Improvement and Self-Care In the meantime, continue focusing on your own growth and well-being. Being in a healthy mental space is an important foundation for building a relationship. By prioritizing your own happiness and working on things that make you feel good about yourself, you'll naturally attract someone who values those qualities in you. Final Thoughts: The key is to be open, patient, and proactive in seeking out opportunities to meet new people. Online dating, local activities, and working on friendships are all avenues you can explore. But most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself during this process. The right person will come when the time is right, and building a healthy relationship starts with building a strong connection with yourself.23539
Lewis ConradLewis Conrad