(Am I projecting a little?
But I live alone and work from home, and its rough out here!)
But Im happy to report that the standard put yourself out there advice can, indeed, pay off.
Grace Chigozie/Jessica Smith/Amanda K Bailey
I never expected it to work, but I found my best friend through it.
The first time we met up, we went for a long dog walk together and just clicked.
Now I see her all the time, and were going on holiday together in a few weeks.
Courtesy of Grace Chigozie
Ellie B., 24
Spending timeworking the soiland planting with other volunteers created a sense of camaraderie.
Weve become good friends, and sometimes we even have garden-to-table dinners together."
Marianne T., 31
I noticed a new girl learning the ropes and gave her some help.
Courtesy of Noëlle Midnight
We bonded over having golden retrievers, and we became best friends!
They joined our weekly playgroup, and soon we were hanging out after games and being homies.
Ryan M., 36
Ive made friends through my Nigerian culture.
Courtesy of Jessica Smith
It helps me meet people I dont already know within my tight-knit community."
We share advice and babysitting duties, and have become close friends."
Crystal B., 29
Over time we started to invite more friends, and friends of friends.
Eventually, we started hanging out more on the weekends and beyond.
Rini K., 24
…and got over my fear of being eager.
Basically, Im not afraid to court potential pals or seem too excited to spend time together.
Mary C., 24
I met a ton of wonderful people across the world.
A few didnt answer, a few didnt show, but we got four people to join us.
We also party together.
When she vacated and I approached to look for it, I couldnt find it.
I went up to her and asked if she had seen it.
She had it in her cart, and I was a little embarrassed.
She offered it to me and we started chatting while walking around the shop.
As we were leaving we made plans to hang out and go thrifting together another time.
She still has the dress, and were great friends.
We often reminisce about that day and how lucky we are!
Isiah Smith, 23
I’ve got a whole girl squad now!
Kristen F., 34
What better place to meet fellow adult weirdos who unwind by playing dress-up?
Ive made so many lasting friendships as an adult by doing shows together.
Adulthood has been a really beautiful reminder that you have not met all the people youll ever love yet.
Sara Hoffman, 31
Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
