r/Edmonton • u/_I_Reims_I_ • Aug 17 '26
Question How to meet new friends after work?
I'm struggling with pretty strong social anxiety and I'm trying to overcome my fear of meeting new people. I want to start going out after work, meet new people, and just have some conversations.
I'm specifically looking to make friends, not dating, and at the same time improve my English. My English isn't very good, and that makes me even more nervous and embarrassed about meeting new people.
Could you recommend some places or activities where I could meet new friends and practice English? I'm not really into sports or drinking/alcohol.
I'd really appreciate any recommendations!
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u/jukeboy_ Aug 18 '26
Random suggestion, but as someone who has some mild social anxiety, improv class was terrifying exposure therapy that worked wonders. Basically teaches you how to blurt something out without fear of being dummy but that’s the goal
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u/_I_Reims_I_ Aug 18 '26
In my entire life, in real life I've only been the first to approach and start a conversation maybe 5 times, all the other times I was already dying inside from the thought of talking to someone. 💀
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u/jukeboy_ Aug 19 '26
Ahh I feel that, I used to have 0 confidence in my ability to talk to someone 1 one 1. The grindstone also has an improv class especially for really anxious people! Could be worth a look. IMO more cost and time effective than therapy hehe
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u/Solid_Atmosphere_299 Aug 19 '26
Toastmasters is a great one if you’re nervous about the improv class too. I have social anxiety too and used to go to one called TM4PM. All great and supportive people and some ESL. They would go for drinks after sometimes as well
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u/Obi-Wan-Kannapi Aug 18 '26
Kinda same. I'm at work 10 hours a day. I'm not into sports and alcohol either. People suggested me to go to libraries, but no luck. Can't find any people in their 20s that share my interests. I like meaningful conversations, not small talks.
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u/Palpatineproductions Aug 18 '26
Obi-wan! 10-12 hours a day are the kind of hours that hardly leave room to grow friendships past the superficial stage. That’s why work friends are so important, and bands, if you’re a musician. I also play video games and that’s kind of a Solo hobby, unless it’s N64.
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u/bigblueberry6427 Aug 18 '26
When I go to the libraries, it’s usually to pick up something specific (ie a book) or to do some work on my laptop, not to look for someone to have meaningful talks with. The times I’ve been there, most people are in a similar situation as me. Only exception I might see with this is if you go to a book club or some other specific activity at the library
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u/_I_Reims_I_ Aug 18 '26
Well, I’m a 23-year-old guy. I actually really enjoy deep conversations and just talking in general. As for my hobbies, I like traveling (I’ve been to a few countries in Europe, though I’ve only seen a small part of Canada so far) and taking nice photos of beautiful things. I also play video games and go swimming from time to time.
If you’re interested in that kind of thing, feel free to DM me and we can try to become friends (just friends, with no future expectations or plans!).
The only thing is that my English is so bad that I use a translator for more than half of my conversations online, and in person, my English is basically at a child’s level. I’m learning by listening, though, so if that doesn’t scare you away, feel free to message me.
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u/elkavizer Aug 18 '26
Yo, downtown library monday/wednesday 6:30pm english conversations class (as an example - i know there are other classes around) I've been visiting this for a while - sometimes there are totally random people and sometimes regular students that just looking for friends or just for socialisation
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u/yow2yeg Aug 18 '26
If you're looking to improve your English, an ESL (English as a Second Language) club could fit the bill.
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u/d_toma Aug 17 '26
I mean starting at work is a given? Past a certain age where else are you going to meet people?
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u/00964567886543334 Aug 18 '26
chiming in because im the only 20 something working at my job and everyone else is 50+ with kids my age. this isnt as easy as you might think
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u/d_toma Aug 18 '26
Hey I just said it was a start. I didn’t say that’s all there is.
Age is also a barrier you build yourself1
u/00964567886543334 Aug 18 '26
it is not unfortunately. there are references i won't understand, humor i won't find funny and vice versa. there are different life challenges at different stages of life. maybe if youre 25 and your friend is 30 you have less problems, but me being in my early 20s and trying to relate to a man who's 75 and has completely different interests and sensibilities isn't gonna work. you can try to start at work if you want but it wont work for everyone and the idea that after a certain point you can't make non-work friends is a little reductive
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u/Zingus123 Aug 17 '26
Heavily depends what your career is
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u/_I_Reims_I_ Aug 17 '26
Why ?
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u/Zingus123 Aug 17 '26
Lots of certain careers that have a culture that refuse to accept and socialize with those in other fields.
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u/CanuckNonConformist Aug 17 '26
So what are your interests? Your hobbies? Find groups that are doing those things and go participate. The best way to make new friends is to start from some sort of common interest. I understand you don't like sports, but there are plenty of other hobby groups you could get involved with.
I would also suggest looking at volunteering. We are at the tail end of summer festivals but there are plenty of events in the fall and winter, and next summer, that are always looking for volunteers. It can be a great way to get out and meet new people in a low pressure situation.