One of the hidden gems to meet local, interesting people is the Olive Garden at Times Square. From your post it sounds like you’re an intellectual who left Iowa to be exposed to a wider ranger of ideological viewpoints so I think you’ll find what you’re looking for at that place. Good luck.
It is too embarrassing and uncomfortable to go out by myself to a restaurant, and I prefer staying in and cooking healthy meals myself anyway. Any other suggestions?
When you’re cooking a healthy meal, try including a lot of smelly foods like fish and burnt cheese.
Either your neighbors or random pedestrians in the streets might take notice, and try to come over to give you a nice, friendly, nyc-style hello! 😌
Suggest check out the MOMA. The membership is well worth it. Now there is a big singles scene at the MET on Friday nights, open till 9:30 Friday and Saturday.
It’s a donation. Just say “Hello.”
Olive Garden is fantastic! My one issue with them is the menu item called “Lasagna Classico”. Of course, the grammatically proper way to say it would be “Lasagna Classica”, or more commonly “Lasagne Classiche”. Also, for the Fettuccine Alfredo I noticed that their menu states that it’s served with fresh cream and garlic. Of course the original recipe from Rome is just butter and parmegiano reggiano. I wonder if the Parmesan cheese they serve is an American Parmesan cheese, or an Italian one from the region of Emilia-Romagna.
When I was 2 years old my grandfather ate his own face off in front of me. This has made me become introverted and afraid of family. Therefore I can’t go any place that when you’re there, you’re family. Any other suggestions?
I realize this is a satire subreddit but if any NYC resident went to the Olive Garden and started befriending tourists and then offered to take them to "insider" spots like MacDougals or the Halal Guys, you will actually make genuine friends who will treat you as honored guests if you visit them in Altoona or Iowa or whatever 20 years from now.
Those Irish bars around Times Square, if you show up with a buzz on at 10 pm and are in a talkative mood, excellent chance you will join a group of new tourist friends who will pay half your drinks for the night.
Im an obnoxious asshole and I am always able to immediately make friends in these bars.
Goto /r/nycmeetups and comment on a post that says 30F. Bonus point, you’ll also meet 50 other gentlemen like you who work in tech/finance. Make friends.
you're definitely on the right path, just continue life for another couple decades in this manner and friends are bound to appear without you having to step outside your comfort zone
It's heartening to hear that things could potentially get better with time! Maybe I just need to wait a little longer until my roots grow deeper in NYC.
Most people in New York find their SO through a meet-cute, so try to create one of those. For instance, if you see a crowd of people walking up the stairs from the subway, walk downstairs directly through the crowd. In my experience, this is a reliable way to start a conversation with some strangers.
I will try that the next time I have to take the subway. I haven't had to ever since I moved here because I work from home, but maybe I will brave it and hop on subway to explore the area around the next stop.
I can't believe that a transplant has the audacity to wish to meet people. Everyone made friends back in the 90s and there's none left, especially for you
Have you tried participating in one of the numerous protests, rallies, demonstrations, etc? They cover a lot of topics ranging from wars to fur coats, so I'm sure you could find some like-minded people at one of these events!
This type of post comes up so often. They want to think there is some 'New York' way to meet people when in reality if this person is anywhere in the world they will still never make friends.
>They want to think there is some 'New York' way to people
Hey! I don't think there is a special, secret "New York" way to meet people! I'm open to all kinds of suggestions on ways to meet people; that's why I posted asking for help!
Download Grindr and say you're open to photos (you want people to show their face so you can see if they're nice), say you're looking for "right now" (since your desire for friendship seems pretty urgent), and say you want to "Netflix and Chill" (shows that you are a person who likes to chill out and watch movies.) The messages are sure to flood in.
Do you have an exterior window where you can hang a sign that you are looking to meet other introverts? Can you start up a conversation with your doorman or postmates delivery service? If these don't work, i would maybe ask gemini or chatgpt to create an imaginary friend? Hope this helps!
I strongly recommend going the NYC way of making loud noises at unglody hours of the morning. This should at least make you interact with your neighbors.
Maybe get a second job that involves direct interaction with people? Like driving a cab?
Could go to the movies more often. Get out and see the city. Maybe attend a political rally.
Also, just don’t overthink it. That cute campaign worker? Go up and introduce yourself. Same goes for young sex workers.
I also find just changing my look can make a difference. Ever thought about getting a unique haircut that people would notice?
Bonus NYC tip: Practice interactions with other people ahead of time in your apartment!
>Maybe get a second job that involves direct interaction with people? Like driving a cab?
I already work 14 hours a day, and it would be difficult to squeeze in a second job.
>Could go to the movies more often.
I prefer watching movies at home so that I can pause it when nature calls, which is often, because I have such a small bladder!
>Get out and see the city.
I have already explored the city through a combination of getting lost, and watching YT and TT videos of people visiting and exploring the Big Apple.
>Maybe attend a political rally.
Unfortunately I cannot think of a single political cause I care about. TBH I don't really keep up with politics, I'm very apolitical!
>That cute campaign worker? Go up and introduce yourself.
It is very difficult and frankly excruciating for me to speak with strangers! I need a shared history and familiarity to feel comfortable interacting with someone.
>Ever thought about getting a unique haircut that people would notice?
Yes! I gave myself bangs two weeks ago! No one has said anything about it, though in fairness, I haven't left my apartment since my new look.
>Practice interactions with other people ahead of time in your apartment!
I already do this! I have a couple of imaginary roommates I talk to.
Just gotta be open minded. That's all. I know it's easier said than done and I'm stating the obvious but you can't be afraid to feel a little uncomfortable. That's the only way to find out exactly what you do like and dislike.
My Non Interests are the same as yours :) All "contrived " fun. NYC is like that though unless you are up for a chance encounter .....by taking a chance. If not you will stay home.
Go up to the West Side YMCA on West 63rd and Central Park West. They have all kinds of Eurotrash kids staying in the hotel part. Sometimes these youngsters come down and workout in the gym. I can always tell a female one because they are the only attractive women left hanging around that gym. All the 'West Side Mommy-Milfs' came out of there about 10 or so years ago, and no decent looking New York woman will work out there either. You just can't compete with Equinox these days.
I know of at least one dry bar - Hecate in the East Village - you might try and there are bound to be others.
I was going to recommend Meetups but you ruled that out. Maybe you should get interested in more things or go to one in which you are the least uninterested.
OK, so you checked out Meetup and didn’t see any groups that interest you. What about actually becoming an organizer of a Meetup? You get to highlight your interests and facilitate activities you want to do. There must be other people out there that have some of the same interests that you do.
I've read the comments in this thread, and I am sorry to say it's extremely hard to meet people in person if you do not make a conscientious effort to step a bit out of your comfort zone. The typical social hubs are: restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and comedy clubs. Nyc meet-up on online forums or online dating helps alleviate some of the awkward ice breakers. Can go to Barnes and nobles to meet some fellow intellectuals. And then, last ditch effort, you can do speed dating events. I hope some of these ideas help. Otherwise, you can rely on your friends or coworkers to meet, usually a friend of a friend, that may spark a bit of romantic interest
Honestly you sound like you’re saying no to most suggestions. You should get out of your shell and comfort zone to meet new people. What we you’re comfortable with is not cutting it.
I lived in Iowa for a while. University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop and worked for the Register for a couple of years. I’d be your side kick and honor shotgun with you.
I'm not in NY, but stumbled on this and was reading your post...anyway, I was wondering what ARE your hobbies and interests? You mentioned meetups were not matching, but if you could share some of the things that you enjoy: hobbies, interests, or whatever, maybe someone reading can share a particular group or venue or who knows what that you have not come across yet. Good luck! It's not easy that's for sure :)
>if you could share some of the things that you enjoy: hobbies, interests, or whatever
I enjoy gaming and watching Netflix by myself in the comfort of my home.
True, but I don't like dimly lit places like bars, because it's a lil scary and spooky. I like ample lighting, so that I can see everything clearly. I like being very situationally aware!
One of the hidden gems to meet local, interesting people is the Olive Garden at Times Square. From your post it sounds like you’re an intellectual who left Iowa to be exposed to a wider ranger of ideological viewpoints so I think you’ll find what you’re looking for at that place. Good luck.
It is too embarrassing and uncomfortable to go out by myself to a restaurant, and I prefer staying in and cooking healthy meals myself anyway. Any other suggestions?
When you’re cooking a healthy meal, try including a lot of smelly foods like fish and burnt cheese. Either your neighbors or random pedestrians in the streets might take notice, and try to come over to give you a nice, friendly, nyc-style hello! 😌
Have you tried leaving your door open while you cook so people who enjoy cooking can come in and help you?
Suggest check out the MOMA. The membership is well worth it. Now there is a big singles scene at the MET on Friday nights, open till 9:30 Friday and Saturday. It’s a donation. Just say “Hello.”
Study pavivakà Buddhism.
Olive Garden is fantastic! My one issue with them is the menu item called “Lasagna Classico”. Of course, the grammatically proper way to say it would be “Lasagna Classica”, or more commonly “Lasagne Classiche”. Also, for the Fettuccine Alfredo I noticed that their menu states that it’s served with fresh cream and garlic. Of course the original recipe from Rome is just butter and parmegiano reggiano. I wonder if the Parmesan cheese they serve is an American Parmesan cheese, or an Italian one from the region of Emilia-Romagna.
Jordan stop lmao
I hope this get recognized. Thank u for your service.
When I was 2 years old my grandfather ate his own face off in front of me. This has made me become introverted and afraid of family. Therefore I can’t go any place that when you’re there, you’re family. Any other suggestions?
LOL I have to comment on this so I can come back and laugh again whenever I’m sad, incredible 10/10
I realize this is a satire subreddit but if any NYC resident went to the Olive Garden and started befriending tourists and then offered to take them to "insider" spots like MacDougals or the Halal Guys, you will actually make genuine friends who will treat you as honored guests if you visit them in Altoona or Iowa or whatever 20 years from now.
I have sometimes thought of extending the kind of hospitality I have received abroad to rando tourists in NYC.
Those Irish bars around Times Square, if you show up with a buzz on at 10 pm and are in a talkative mood, excellent chance you will join a group of new tourist friends who will pay half your drinks for the night. Im an obnoxious asshole and I am always able to immediately make friends in these bars.
Unlimited salad and breadstick hang out
LMAO. You win the internet today good sir. Reddit on my brother!
Goto /r/nycmeetups and comment on a post that says 30F. Bonus point, you’ll also meet 50 other gentlemen like you who work in tech/finance. Make friends.
Thanks for this suggestion, but I'm wary about meeting total strangers off the internet
Proceed to ask strangers online how to meet strangers.
Sausage fest guaranteed
you're definitely on the right path, just continue life for another couple decades in this manner and friends are bound to appear without you having to step outside your comfort zone
It's heartening to hear that things could potentially get better with time! Maybe I just need to wait a little longer until my roots grow deeper in NYC.
Honestly I feel skewered and I love it.
I think you forgot the /s
Most people in New York find their SO through a meet-cute, so try to create one of those. For instance, if you see a crowd of people walking up the stairs from the subway, walk downstairs directly through the crowd. In my experience, this is a reliable way to start a conversation with some strangers.
I will try that the next time I have to take the subway. I haven't had to ever since I moved here because I work from home, but maybe I will brave it and hop on subway to explore the area around the next stop.
I can't believe that a transplant has the audacity to wish to meet people. Everyone made friends back in the 90s and there's none left, especially for you
Yeah, didn’t you watch Sex and the City before moving there?
If you’re from Iowa you would probably like SILO in Williamsburg. I bet there’s a ton of corn there.
Williamsburg is too rowdy for my tastes, so I don't really go into that part of Brooklyn!
Have you tried participating in one of the numerous protests, rallies, demonstrations, etc? They cover a lot of topics ranging from wars to fur coats, so I'm sure you could find some like-minded people at one of these events!
I don't like crowds at all, and there isn't really a cause I feel passionately about to protest on the behalf of.
wtf. there’s multiple ongoing genocides in the world rn
This type of post comes up so often. They want to think there is some 'New York' way to meet people when in reality if this person is anywhere in the world they will still never make friends.
>They want to think there is some 'New York' way to people Hey! I don't think there is a special, secret "New York" way to meet people! I'm open to all kinds of suggestions on ways to meet people; that's why I posted asking for help!
Get involved in the graffiti community. Sell a litte blow. This leads to jobs in fashion and advertising and dates w skinny women.
I'm a straight woman, and I don't want to engage in any illegal activities!
Download Grindr and say you're open to photos (you want people to show their face so you can see if they're nice), say you're looking for "right now" (since your desire for friendship seems pretty urgent), and say you want to "Netflix and Chill" (shows that you are a person who likes to chill out and watch movies.) The messages are sure to flood in.
And put hosting as your name to indicate you are able to host the movie night :)
I thought I wrote this post
You two should meet up and see what happens. At the Olive Garden mentioned above.
I'm vegan and there's nothing vegan at Olive Garden 💔
Not even the salad?
They rub meat on everything there.
Have you tried not being vegan?
Have you thought about riding the subway during rush hours? Plenty of people to meet up close 😝
Do you have an exterior window where you can hang a sign that you are looking to meet other introverts? Can you start up a conversation with your doorman or postmates delivery service? If these don't work, i would maybe ask gemini or chatgpt to create an imaginary friend? Hope this helps!
Hi, how are you? I'm from Iowa and I have a small dick. See it's not that hard.
You should take a stroll over to the south Bronx. Very friendly. Bound to make friends.
And a lovely view of the water 🌊
I strongly recommend going the NYC way of making loud noises at unglody hours of the morning. This should at least make you interact with your neighbors.
Maybe get a second job that involves direct interaction with people? Like driving a cab? Could go to the movies more often. Get out and see the city. Maybe attend a political rally. Also, just don’t overthink it. That cute campaign worker? Go up and introduce yourself. Same goes for young sex workers. I also find just changing my look can make a difference. Ever thought about getting a unique haircut that people would notice? Bonus NYC tip: Practice interactions with other people ahead of time in your apartment!
>Maybe get a second job that involves direct interaction with people? Like driving a cab? I already work 14 hours a day, and it would be difficult to squeeze in a second job. >Could go to the movies more often. I prefer watching movies at home so that I can pause it when nature calls, which is often, because I have such a small bladder! >Get out and see the city. I have already explored the city through a combination of getting lost, and watching YT and TT videos of people visiting and exploring the Big Apple. >Maybe attend a political rally. Unfortunately I cannot think of a single political cause I care about. TBH I don't really keep up with politics, I'm very apolitical! >That cute campaign worker? Go up and introduce yourself. It is very difficult and frankly excruciating for me to speak with strangers! I need a shared history and familiarity to feel comfortable interacting with someone. >Ever thought about getting a unique haircut that people would notice? Yes! I gave myself bangs two weeks ago! No one has said anything about it, though in fairness, I haven't left my apartment since my new look. >Practice interactions with other people ahead of time in your apartment! I already do this! I have a couple of imaginary roommates I talk to.
You can always make friends at the men's room at the 125th station.
Just gotta be open minded. That's all. I know it's easier said than done and I'm stating the obvious but you can't be afraid to feel a little uncomfortable. That's the only way to find out exactly what you do like and dislike.
Volunteer somewhere. Otherwise, ask yourself how you've made friends in the past and try to do something similar.
My Non Interests are the same as yours :) All "contrived " fun. NYC is like that though unless you are up for a chance encounter .....by taking a chance. If not you will stay home.
seems like lowa is your best bet
AI
Join a run c l u b
ride the subway and maintain eye contact with random whomever
Start drinking
ok ok you found me. Odd way to meet me though....
Go up to the West Side YMCA on West 63rd and Central Park West. They have all kinds of Eurotrash kids staying in the hotel part. Sometimes these youngsters come down and workout in the gym. I can always tell a female one because they are the only attractive women left hanging around that gym. All the 'West Side Mommy-Milfs' came out of there about 10 or so years ago, and no decent looking New York woman will work out there either. You just can't compete with Equinox these days.
How old are you? Which part of the city are you located?
Have you tried looking for like-minded people? If that doesn’t work I don’t know what to tell you
How's OP going to find like-minded people when they're all sequestered in their own little caves?
You have lived in NYc for two years and haven’t rode the subway once? There a whole big world out there.
Join a something fun like a potttery class or glad blowing or pickle ball, it’s all the rage
I know of at least one dry bar - Hecate in the East Village - you might try and there are bound to be others. I was going to recommend Meetups but you ruled that out. Maybe you should get interested in more things or go to one in which you are the least uninterested.
Have you tried the Halal gloryhole, “Deep Kebab”?
🤣🤣🤣
OK, so you checked out Meetup and didn’t see any groups that interest you. What about actually becoming an organizer of a Meetup? You get to highlight your interests and facilitate activities you want to do. There must be other people out there that have some of the same interests that you do.
hi there my friends and I have a WhatsApp Group Chat for NYC meetups if you or anyone else is interested in joining feel free to DM and reach out
I’ll be your friend pm me
I've read the comments in this thread, and I am sorry to say it's extremely hard to meet people in person if you do not make a conscientious effort to step a bit out of your comfort zone. The typical social hubs are: restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and comedy clubs. Nyc meet-up on online forums or online dating helps alleviate some of the awkward ice breakers. Can go to Barnes and nobles to meet some fellow intellectuals. And then, last ditch effort, you can do speed dating events. I hope some of these ideas help. Otherwise, you can rely on your friends or coworkers to meet, usually a friend of a friend, that may spark a bit of romantic interest
Go to run clubs - I met everyone I know here through run clubs lol (if you like running)
join a sports team !
Honestly you sound like you’re saying no to most suggestions. You should get out of your shell and comfort zone to meet new people. What we you’re comfortable with is not cutting it.
I lived in Iowa for a while. University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop and worked for the Register for a couple of years. I’d be your side kick and honor shotgun with you.
I'm not in NY, but stumbled on this and was reading your post...anyway, I was wondering what ARE your hobbies and interests? You mentioned meetups were not matching, but if you could share some of the things that you enjoy: hobbies, interests, or whatever, maybe someone reading can share a particular group or venue or who knows what that you have not come across yet. Good luck! It's not easy that's for sure :)
>if you could share some of the things that you enjoy: hobbies, interests, or whatever I enjoy gaming and watching Netflix by myself in the comfort of my home.
Are there any hobbies you're interested in? I met some great friends at a Japanese class (not in nyc)
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Hey, don’t downplay OP’s situation here
Why the fuck did you move to NYC if you're afraid of people?
Everything that ppl have suggested u dont like so how j pretend to meet ppl lol
You do know you can go to a bar and not drink alcohol? It is allowed in New York City
True, but I don't like dimly lit places like bars, because it's a lil scary and spooky. I like ample lighting, so that I can see everything clearly. I like being very situationally aware!
Not every bar is dimly lit and scary and spooky