Social Hobbies: Make Your Life More Interesting and Meet New People Along the Way

Easy Social Hobbies

These are the hobbies where you can easily go alone and have an excuse for being there, like “I just wanted to learn XYZ…” In these cases, you’ll likely be paired up with partners or expected to interact, which makes it easier to break out of your shell. In some cases, (like Toastmaster), part of the class IS to break out of your shell.

• Dancing: salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, etc. Salsa lessons. Ballroom dancing. You go to these classes, and you’ll be expected to not only meet, but get comfortable touching other people. Ideal for someone who needs to break out of their shell…and when you show a woman you can dance, it makes life a whole heck of a lot easier.
• Toastmaster/Improv. You’ll meet new people and subject yourself to social pressure, which will help build confidence in your ability to speak with other people listening.
• Volunteering. Nothing like being generous to improve your self-confidence and give you a reason to get out of the house. Plus, you meet other people who are volunteering, which means many of the interactions will be with cool, generous people. If you’re low on cash, volunteering is free.
• Cooking classes.
• Yoga classes.
• Spin classes.
• Bartending classes.
• Language classes.
• Meditation classes.
• Boating/sailing lessons.
• Any classes. You get it by now. Classes are awesome. Got something you want to learn? Learn it with other people.
• Astronomy events. An observatory near me regularly hosts astronomy nights, making their telescopes accessible to the public.
• Soccer.
• Hockey.
• Basketball league.
• Rugby.
• Volleyball/beach volleyball.
• MMA.
• Surfing / wakeboarding.
• Knife throwing. Don’t hit anybody.
• Snorkeling. May require access to an area like the Gulf of Mexico.
• Any sports.

Hobbies that Require More Initiative to Start

These are great hobbies for meeting people, but they’re not quite as “set up” for you to make it all on your own. There are rarely teachers here to show you the way, pair you off with a partner, etc. But that doesn’t make them any less rewarding.

• Stand-up comedy. For confidence building, and the truly brave.
• Karaoke. The ancient art.
• DJing. DJing is great because you’ll inevitably meet people…the said, it’s hard to break into, as well, which means you’ll have to be somewhat good at networking and introducing yourself before you start to book venues.
• Photography.
• Pub quizzes. Don’t be afraid to bring a small team to the game.
• Concerts/festivals. Gotta bring friends and make an effort to meet people, though common interests are usually assumed at these things and it’s not so hard to approach new people.

One-off Events

A quick tip for one-off events: find the person in charge and say “you know, I’m kind of bored, so I’m at your disposal if you need any help.” Suddenly you’re in charge of getting chairs or something, and you have something to do and don’t feel so awkward for being there by yourself.

• Poetry/book readings. Add some culture to your life–and some opportunities to meet new people. Common interests are already assumed.
• Wine tastings.
• Tough mudder / Spartan race / athletic events.
• Trade shows and conventions. People are already looking to network here.
• Charity events.
• Singles cruises. Hey, why not?

Hobbies to Avoid/Minimize

Only 24 hours in a day. Adding new hobbies to your life is going to mean having to decrease how much time you spend with some of the old ones.

• TV.
• Video games.
• Porn.

Resources for Finding Social Hobbies

• Meetup.com - Especially effective when you live in a city
• Toastmasters International