How to Meet New Friends at a Bar

Bars have a bad reputation for meeting potential dates if you're looking for a serious relationship, but are a great place for making new friends and good friendships. Whether these bonds turn into a romantic relationship or not, they are always nice to have. If you're friendly and open to meeting new people, a bar can be a fine place to meet new friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Dress to stand out. If you're a woman, you don't have to draw attention to your body with your clothing, but do wear something bright and stylish. Bars are often crowded and you want new people to both notice you and have something to say when they meet you.
2. Sit at the bar rather than a table or secluded spot. When you slip in to order a drink, especially if the bar is crowded and space is cramped, greet the people around you.
3. Go out with friends who also want to meet new people. While it's a good idea not to go out alone, make sure that the group you go with is willing to meet new people and won't keep you from branching out. It's easier to introduce yourself to new people with a friend.
4. Participate in bar activities like games or dancing. People who participate stand out in the crowd and have an opportunity to show some personality.
5. Invite any new bar acquaintances to do other activities in the same night or weekend. New friendships are much more likely to develop if you ask new friends to go with you to another bar or concert that night, or if you invite them along to other plans you have that weekend, instead of saying you'll call later.
6. Attend interest bars that attract the kind of people you want to be friends with. In a college town, for example, people who study certain fields may tend to congregate at certain bars and venues, so find out which bars attract the people who share your interests.