How does a shy person meet people in New York City?

Question

This is somewhat related to a previous question I asked: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20061011080825AAW9GRE

...But in this case I'm talking more about a normal freindship. THAT stuff can come later, I need friends first. But I've never been good at social situations, and now I find myself in NYC all by myself. This city is paradoxically lonely and desolate when you know no one. I actually grew up here, but this is the first time I've been an adult here. So does anyone have any ideas on how a shy dork like me can make friends in this city? I'm in Manhattan, so there's certainly no end to my options, but I can't seem to think of anything. I don't drink, so bars hold no appeal, and I've never danced in my life, so clubs are out (I've never set foot in one anyway, and at 26, I'm too old to start). I'm getting truly sick of wandering around by myself all the time, so any ideas would be helpful.

Answer 1

Here are some suggestions:
1. Join a gym
2. Join a volunteer group like Houses for Humanitat (I think that's what its called). They are the people who get together and build houses for the homeless.
3. Does your neighborhood have a Neighborhood Watch proram? If so, join it. If not, start one.
4. Do you like to read? Join a book club.
5. Become a tutor. Place a notice at your local library and charge a reasonable hourly rate.
6. Take a fun class at a community college.
7. Become a boyscout leader.
8. Become a little league coach.
9. Get a fun part-time job even if it doesn't pay much.
10. Run or walk a marathon.
11. Volunteer at a hospital.
12. Start a community clean-up program.
I'm out of ideas.

Answer 2

A good start would be to go see the world series at a local sports bar which is a good place because people there during sporting events are in a festive mood, are more open to approaching and engaging in conversation with people.

Answer 3

I myself, live in NYC. around soho, i usually go to bars and meet up with ppl. Since your a guy, a girl is not suppose to come to you, you come to them, give your self a new makeover like the young george clooney/ Orlando bloom/ try to look good/ smell good too. And shave. That is my opinion. Oh and the teeth! & if i were you, hit a club with a family friend cousin? anyone around your age thats a guy or a girl get to know them and be their friend! Don't be shy live your life. hang around soho and tribeca and visit places :] smile to girls.. get fit! where can you go to meet people? They are ALL around you. even your neighbors!! talk to people, say hi my name is _ _ _ _ _ _ .. ETC.. ask.. Would you like to get a coffee tonight? tommorow? later on today? :] make a move Spiderman :)

Answer 4

It's all about practice. seriously. you get less shy by practicing. You set a challenging but realistic goal to move you towards being more social, then you achieve that goal and set a new goal.

Your first goal could be to pick a topic, like a popular movie, and try to get as many ppl as possilbe to talk about it with you. etc.