Websites to meet platonic male friends?
I know there are tons of online dating websites, Meetup.com and there’s Craigslist’s “strictly platonic” and activity partners but are there any social networking sites oriented towards people making one-on-one platonic friends? As a straight male and having just moved to a new city and not really knowing anyone I’m having a hard time making new male friends, particularly ones who are similar to me (which is difficult as I am more reserved, not a typical “guy’s guy” and am not one to randomly chat up people) and wondering best how to go about doing this. I feel like Paul Rudd in “I Love You, Man” and am looking for a go-to guy and someone I can build a real lifelong friendship with as opposed to just an activity partner. So, yes, a bromance. A website designed for this purpose would be helpful because I could narrow down my criteria. Any thoughts? I feel somewhat up a creek because most guys have well-established friends from college, or are just socially outgoing enough that they can join any old activity and make friends.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
I would go for a common interest (e.g. gaming, sports, outdoor activities, book club, meditation group, art class, martial arts studio, archery range, sailing club, riding club, driving club, historical society, whatever), and then make friends in whatever related activities there are for that interest. Web sites exist for that too. Can also apply to places you like to hang out, if hanging out in public is something you like to do. Not only does this provide a good venue to naturally make friends, but then too your new friends will share interests with you.
Fluther’s good for that.
What’s up dude?
Check out meetup.com
Search for anything you like: poker, video games, politics, whatever. There is probably a meetup group that fits you in your area. Most are free or only ask a nominal fee to join. That’s a good way to meet a diverse group of local people that share a common interest with you.
I’ve moved to several cities where I knew no one. Get out and explore the area. You might be amazed at the wonderful people you meet.
@Seek_Kolinahr Love this link! And I am happy to see that it is not limited to the US.
^_^ I’m a member of several stay-at-home-moms-with-toddlers groups, as well as the local tabletop RPG gamer group (even though they don’t play my version of D&D – I’m holding out hope that someone comes along that does)
The key is to start with a common interest, and build up from there. It’s a good idea to do the above suggestions on using the web to find local meetup groups and the like.
For me, though, the best way is still to get walking around your new neighborhood. Be a regular at the convenience store, the laundromat, the park, whatever.
Keep your face looking friendly and open, and eventually someone will start a conversation, perhaps your next best friend. The cool part is that if you end up as buddies, there’d be no big effort needed to see each other coz you’ll already be close by, and you may already share a slot on both your busy schedules, because how else would you have met?
And there you go: go-to guy al a carte.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
