Making new friends as an adult can be really hard. It’s quite the change from being in school where meeting your best friend could be as simple as having the same class together and coincidentally sitting next to each other on the first day. Outside of the office the “real world” doesn’t really create the best friend making environment – we’re often heads down focused on what we need to do next or even worse, buried in our phones, to even notice who is around us.

But I promise, there’s still hope. When I first moved to Chicago I could count the number of acquaintances I had in the city on one hand and when I left, less than four years later, many tears were shed when it was time to say goodbye to the friends I had made in my new city. So here I am, back in friend making mode as I settle into San Francisco and do my best to make this new city feel like home just as I did with Chicago.

Some tips for meeting new people and making new friends:

1. Meeting people on the Internet isn’t weird: If you would have asked me pre-blogging days if I’d meet people in person from the Internet, I probably would have lectured you about the likelihood of getting murdered (Unsolved Mysteries, anyone?!). But today, it’s totally cool. It’s amazing how well you can get to know someone by following along with their blog or social channels – you can actually form real, genuine friendships over Twitter or Instagram! If there’s someone online you regularly engage with or just find inspiring, shoot them a note and see if they’d be interested in grabbing coffee or brunch. You never know where a little ladydate could take you – I actually met my best friend Sam via Twitter and we instantly connected (and even both showed up with red lipstick on and ordered the same Starbucks drink) like we had known each other for years.
2. Start with a compliment or a question: If you’re looking to strike up a conversation with a stranger, starting with a compliment  (“I love those shoes!”) or a question (“I’ve been dying to read that book, how is it?) to get things rolling. See where the conversation takes you and exchange cards if it seems like a good friendship match. Another good conversation starter? Ask what neighborhood she lives in – everyone loves talking about the area that they live!
3. Attend events: Sometimes you’ve just gotta put yourself out there! If you’re new to a city, attending events is an awesome way to try new things even if you have no idea what is going on or where things are (Eventbrite is a great resource for everything from dinner events to concerts). Show up at the event with a positive attitude and be ready to strike up conversation with your fellow attendees. Don’t forget to grab their contact information at the end of the night or, if you’re feeling shy, you can also scan the event’s hashtag or location on Twitter & Instagram and follow other attendees on social media to reach out later about meeting up again.
4. Become a “regular”: Whether it be the gym or a coffee shop, becoming a regular somewhere is great way to start to meet other regulars who are on a similar schedule as you. Notice someone in your morning yoga class that looks interesting? Ask if she wants to grab a coffee after class one day. “Regulars” are less likely to view each other as strangers because they’re already familiar with that person, so you can even be a little more direct without feeling like a stalker. Bonus? You already know you have something in common!
5. Ask for introductions: The world is actually pretty darn small and chances are, someone you know knows someone in your new city or hometown. Ask around! See if you have any friends who are willing to make introductions – the best part about being introduced through a friend is that you’ll already have an existing connection with the person (and unless your friends suck, the other people they know should be awesome as well!)

Do you have any other tips for making new friends? Has anyone else read MWF Seeking BFF?