Talking to strangers at the gym (thienantran.com)

Article summary

The author, who was struggling with loneliness after college, decided to try making friends at the gym by approaching and talking to a new person every day for a month. They found that most people were receptive and they were able to establish connections with some of them, including one person who became a gym buddy. The author reflects on the challenges they faced, including social anxiety and rejection, but ultimately found the experience to be rewarding. They also note that their gym has a social aspect, with staff and members interacting with each other, which helped facilitate their efforts.

Main themes

• Making friends as an adult
• Overcoming social anxiety
• Gym as a social space
• Community building
• Social interactions and relationships

What commenters say

• Some people find it easier to make friends at the gym or other social spaces, while others prefer to meet people through group activities or classes.
• Climbing gyms, in particular, can be a great place to meet new people due to the natural opportunities for socialization and shared experiences.
• Social anxiety and fear of rejection can be significant barriers to making new connections, but they can be overcome with practice and a willingness to take risks.
• Not all bars or social spaces are the same, and some can be more conducive to meeting new people and forming connections than others.
• Some individuals believe that bars are not the best place to meet new people, as they can attract people who are primarily looking for a one-night stand or have other motivations.
• Others argue that bars can be a great place to meet new people, as long as you are clear about your intentions and boundaries.
• Joining a group or club that aligns with your interests can be a great way to meet like-minded people and form meaningful connections.
• Socialization happens naturally in certain environments, such as climbing gyms, where people are working on shared problems and can exchange tips and encouragement.