How to make friends in the UK?
Posted by Conscious_Wind946@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 20 comments
Why is it so difficult to make friends in the UK? Been living here as an Indian expat since a year no one seems approaachable or helpful. It's so lonely and not even neighbors don't saying hi to each other. Is it really common here???
Numerous-Rice1984@reddit
Personally I find it easier to make friends through hobbies, for example joining a club and meeting people on a regular basis. I've built an app called Linkzy to help people meet through different events and interests. Check it out!
ios : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linkzy/id6720764102
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linkzy
GXWT@reddit
We can’t really say because we don’t know how and where you’re approaching people. Going up to someone on the street late at night probably won’t be appreciated, whereas talking to someone at a five a aside game in the makes a lot more sense
In general you won’t make a friend randomly on the street. It’ll be through work friends, people you meet through a sports/other interest community etc
Conscious_Wind946@reddit (OP)
I'm talking about five aside game situations or similar. Neighbors are hardly seen.
GXWT@reddit
5 a side is a good place to talk to people. If you find yourself getting along with someone enough, then invite out for a drink after a game one time and see where it goes
claireauriga@reddit
Easiest way to make friends in the UK is by doing something together. It gives you a reason to interact and something to talk about.
Conscious_Wind946@reddit (OP)
True, but idk where to start. Not aware of any groups
claireauriga@reddit
What's a group activity that seems vaguely interesting? Something sporty or physical? Intellectual? Team, chill or competitive? Gaming, nerdy? Artistic, singing, acting? Doing work for a good cause?
AcceptableRedPanda@reddit
This. Find a hobby or a group to join. I'm a bit of a loner and hard to make friends due to my attitude and being a massive introvert unless I know someone well. Got I to potholing and have a new group of friends who I get on with really well.
Adats_@reddit
Depends where in the UK some places are rude af others are close knit and others sometimes its just the people dont say hello to me i cba saying it to them .
Then other areas everyone seems to want to say hello lol
Conscious_Wind946@reddit (OP)
North England
Adats_@reddit
Tight knit communites normally pretty sound though
Proper_Dot1645@reddit
I am an other Indian living in uk since last 1 year as well. Wanna be a friend ?
Conscious_Wind946@reddit (OP)
Hello there
Proper_Dot1645@reddit
Hello to you winds of consciousness
FarthestCough@reddit
We don't do friends around these parts. Have you considered joining a cult?
Conscious_Wind946@reddit (OP)
Whats cult and scientologist
holytriplem@reddit
Are you a student or in a work environment?
Try going to actual social events or take up a hobby. The UK isn't like India where you just force yourself on someone and make them be your friend even if you clearly have nothing in common with them. Friendships develop more slowly and organically here
skybluepink77@reddit
Neighbours not talking to each other is quite common in cities or in areas that are 'rough'. Maybe you don't have the option of where you live [due to your job], but living in a smaller community is better if you want to know your neighbours.
Making friends isn't that easy for a lot of Brits either, particularly for shy people or young people, new to working life. The best way is through your colleagues, doing evening courses, joining clubs/sports clubs, amateur dramatics, religious places such as mosques, churches, temples etc, volunteering, etc etc.
Be outgoing, start up conversations at work, smile, make sure you chat to people over the photocopier/watercooler or whatever. You say people aren't approachable, but if you think that, then they will be unapproachable. Start by saying to yourself, ' most people are ok, most people are friendly' and go from there. Good luck!
idril1@reddit
Depends where you live, London and other big cities it can be normal not to know neighbours, especially given how mobile people can be. That's the case in many cities across the world tho. If your neighbours are changing every 6 months people don't form connections. That said I know people in London who are good friends with their neighbours, so it's important not to generalise.
Work or education is where many UK people make friends, and then clubs, sports, religious groups, etc
What hobbies do you enjoy? Sites like meet up cam be good for getting to know people with shared interests.
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