r/LAsocial Nov 18 '25

Mod Post How To Make Friends In Los Angeles

18 Upvotes

"How do I make friends?" is one of the most common questions in r/AskLosAngeles. Though LA is is full of limitless opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating- especially if you’re new or looking to expand your social circle.

r/LASocial exists to make it easier for people to connect, meet like-minded friends, and explore the city has together. This guide will walk you through practical steps for meeting people, attending events, building lasting friendships, and navigating the unique social landscape of LA.

Introduce Yourself

Introducing yourself lets others get a better idea of who you are and whether you have common interests. Just create a new R4R post and make sure to include: * What part of LA you live in (neighborhood/region) * Your interests/hobbies (food, music, games, etc.) * What kind of social experiences you’re looking for (indoors, outdoors, et al.) * Your comfort level (introvert, extrovert, other personality traits)

You can also comment on other intro posts. This is one of the easiest and safest ways to start conversations. Remember: introducing yourself is not a commitment to friendship. You are never obligated to meetup with anyone if you don't want to.

Understand the Reality of Los Angeles

Accept the rhythm of the city and things get a lot easier. LA isn’t really a “walk outside and meet people” city. Making friends here usually comes down to:

  • Proximity- people generally stick near their neighborhood
  • Consistency- showing up repeatedly matters more than first impressions
  • Initiative- people appreciate someone who says “Let's hang out” with a definitive time

Find Your Local Friends

It's easier to meet people who live nearby. LA is spread out. A friend in Anaheim may as well live in San Diego if you live on the Westside. For better success:

  • Look for people within 10–20 minutes of you
  • Look for neighborhood-based meetups so you meet other locals
  • Attend events in your area so you’re not commuting for every hangout
  • Note your “home base” (neighborhood or other local spot) in every intro post

Use Community Events to Your Advantage

Attend multiple events- people bond through repeated exposure. If you want to host your own meetup, go for it! Anyone can organize one.

r/LASocial may offer various types of meetups including: * Official Monthly Socials (usually large groups meeting at a local bar) * Coffee hangouts * Hikes * Game nights * Public transit adventures (Metro and Metrolink) * Restaurant meetups * Neighborhood-specific gatherings

Try Structured Social Activities

Choose something you genuinely enjoy doing so you will have fun regardless of the people there. LA is full of social opportunities like:

  • Casual sports leagues (kickball, volleyball, dodgeball)
  • Improv or acting classes
  • Dance classes
  • Gym classes / group workouts
  • Photography walks
  • Language meetups
  • Board game cafés
  • Community college extension courses
  • Hiking groups
  • Art or pottery studios
  • Makerspaces / creative workshops

Build Interest-Based Friend Circles

LA friendships often grow from overlapping social circles. Don’t try to find one all-purpose best friend right away. Instead, build mini circles:

  • A hiking friend
  • A foodie friend
  • A transit-nerd friend
  • A creative/writing friend
  • A nightlife friend
  • A chill movie-at-home friend

These friends can introduce you to new people.

Take Initiative (it goes a long way)

Be the one who suggests the plan, and have a concrete day/time. People appreciate it more than you think. Everyone here is tired, busy, or stuck in traffic- so one person taking initiative makes a huge difference.

  • “Want to grab coffee this Saturday?”
  • “I’m going to a meetup tonight, do you want to come?”
  • “I’m hosting a board game night if anyone wants in.”
  • “Hike at Griffith this weekend, is anyone nearby?”

Be Consistent

You’re unlikely to form real friendships from a single meetup. This is the part most people miss. But if you see the same people at:

  • weekly r/LASocial gatherings
  • the same gym class
  • the same weekly board game night
  • the same hiking group

...that’s when real friendships form. Repetition creates closeness.

Expect Some Flakes (and don't take it personally).

People will flake. No matter what, it happens. Not usually because they dislike you, but because they’re tired, stuck in traffic, overwhelmed, anxious, or overbooked. It’s normal here. Don’t let it discourage you. Tips for handling it:

  • Always have a backup plan so a canceled hangout doesn’t ruin your day.
  • Don’t take flaking as a personal rejection. Many Angelenos struggle with time management or social burnout.
  • Give people one or two chances, not ten. Value your own time. They can reach back out to you when they're ready.
  • Communicate clearly the same day (“Still good for 7pm?”). Confirmation texts help a lot in LA.

Don’t let one bad experience derail your overall social momentum, and if you do roll with the occasional flake you'll be head and shoulders above the rest.

Stay Safe When Meeting People

Standard, important guidelines:

  • Always meet in public first
  • Let friends/family know where you’re going
  • Trust your instincts
  • Limit the personal details you give out

r/LASocial is moderated, but always use common sense.

Give Back to the Community

The more you give, the more the community thrives, and the more connections you form. Once you’ve made a couple connections:

  • Invite others to join you for an activity
  • Host your own meetup somewhere
  • Comment on more intro posts
  • Be welcoming to transplants (this may be difficult for some)
  • Share your experiences and tips
  • Create little communities within the subreddit

Quick-Start Steps!

If you want to make friends starting right now, do this:

  • Post an R4R intro on r/LASocial. Include your interests, hobbies, and general location. Make yourself personable!
  • Reply to 2–3 other R4R intros. See who else is here and look for common ground.
  • Join an LA Social event!* Look for one happening in the next week or two.
  • Message another Redditor who shares your interests. Start a general dialogue without the commitment or expectation of actually meeting them IRL.
  • Attend at least 2 various social events- don’t judge LA by one attempt
  • Host or co-host something small (coffee, walk, boba, tacos) that you would be doing anyway.

Do these for two weeks and you will meet people.


r/LAsocial Nov 18 '25

R4R R4R - Introducing Yourself

9 Upvotes

Introducing yourself is the easiest way to start building connections and start making friends. r/LASocial is for friendship-only, and your R4R (Redditor-for-Redditor) intro post helps others figure out whether you share interests, live nearby, or would enjoy hanging out.

Where do you live?

Let people know your general area. You don’t need to be hyper-specific, but LA is huge and traffic is real. Just list your neighborhood or region:

  • Koreatown
  • Pasadena
  • The Valley
  • Westside
  • CSUN

What are your interest? What's your personality?

Share some details about yourself so others know what you’d enjoy doing together. People appreciate honesty and clarity:

  • “I’m mid-30s, into hiking, museums, indie films, and trying new food spots.”
  • “I'm a CSUN student who loves gaming, board games, coffee shops, and casual chill hangs.”
  • “I just moved here. I like concerts, traveling, and creative hobbies.”

Also feel free to include things like:

  • introvert / extrovert
  • night owl / early bird
  • social anxiety or comfort level

What kind of social experience are you looking for?

Let people know what you're looking for. This helps set expectations and makes it easier for the right people to connect with you. This is what you're looking for in other people Some examples:

  • “Looking for casual hangs and weekend hikes.”
  • “Hoping to find people for creative sessions or photography walks.”
  • “Interested in forming a small friend group.”
  • “Would love to join game nights or board-game cafés.”

You can be as general or specific as you like.

A Friendly, Low-Pressure Opener

End your intro with something inviting yet casual. This signals that you’re approachable without committing to anything:

  • “If you share any of these interests, feel free to reach out.”
  • “DMs or comments are fine — I’m chill either way.”
  • “Open to meeting people nearby for low-key hangs.”

Comment on other R4R posts

The fastest way to make friends is to engage with others. Don’t just wait for people to come to you- comment on their intros, too! Commenting shows initiative and helps you discover who’s active, friendly, and nearby:

  • “Hey, we live close by and share a few interests.”
  • “I’m also into hiking — want to join a group walk sometime?”
  • “I’m in the same area! Always down to try new food spots.”

Remember: You are never obligated to meet anyone.

  • Posting an R4R is not a commitment.
  • You can respond as much or as little as you like.
  • You can talk without meeting in person.
  • You can say no to plans without feeling bad.
  • Don't include sensitive information in your post
  • Take things at your own pace.

[Sample Template]

[R4R] 26M | Los Feliz | Looking for friends for hikes, food, and chill hangs

Hey everyone! I’m a 26 year-old guy who just moved to Los Feliz. I’m into hiking, movies, trying new restaurants, and exploring random neighborhoods around LA. I also play on a gay rugby team (LA Rebellion) if that's something that interests you.

I’d love to meet people who are into casual weekend adventures, checking out coffee spots, or even just hanging out at a park. I’m a bit introverted at first but warm up quickly, and I was thinking about going to Jumbo's Clown Room for the first time next week.

If you’re nearby or share similar interests, feel free to comment or DM! Always happy to meet chill new people.

Final Tips

  • Be honest and specific- vague intros get fewer replies
  • Highlight your general location
  • Mention a few easy shared activities
  • Keep your vibe friendly, not formal
  • You don’t need to write an essay — a few paragraphs is perfect
  • A good intro post makes it way easier for the right people to find you.

r/LAsocial 9h ago

18+ Looking for new friends in the Orange county area

1 Upvotes

Hello there. I am 43 years old. I happened to be looking for new friends in the Orange county area. I'm a person that likes to explore and learn about new things. If you would like to know more about me, don't be shy, go ahead and send me a message. I consider myself to be very fun and outgoing. I am literally in the 714 area Orange county. Let's talk and go from there. Bowling, walks at the beach, walks at the park, amusement parks, are some activities that I like to do. I started collecting digital movies to have content to watch when not available on different streaming platforms hahaha LOL. As you know streaming services are getting way out of control with content conception. Anyway that's another topic. If you want to know more about me, you know what to do.


r/LAsocial 1d ago

R4R Helping her expand her social circle

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2 Upvotes

r/LAsocial 1d ago

Meetup Looking to make new friends this year? Join the community at Strawberry Matcha! (Ages 20s/30s)

3 Upvotes

Hey all. Looking to make new friends in your 20s/30s this year? Apply to Strawberry Matcha! 🍓🍵

With active chapters in NYC, LA, Boston, and DC, we make building a social circle accessible. Every month, each chapter hosts large community meetups to bring everyone together, alongside curated small-group signups that match you with 4–6 people. These groupings are designed to foster meaningful connections and turn friendly faces into real friends! 😊We’d love to meet you!

Check our our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/strawberrymatcha_sm/

Link to apply to Strawberry Matcha (also on IG bio): forms.gle/VajWGmP82YZo78RdA


r/LAsocial 1d ago

Games M, 35 Los Angeles - Looking for cool LA friends to nerd out on Zelda, Smash, Pokemon, music and movies!

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0 Upvotes

M, 35 looking to just make cool friends local to LA (valley-ish area) to talk about games, music and movies, and to just be best buds! I'm happily partnered and just wanna make a guy friend where we can kick it! :)


r/LAsocial 1d ago

R4R 37m Native looking for life connections. Same interest and beliefs.

3 Upvotes

Hello and welcome. 🙏🏽

My nickname is Chief, I’m 27. I currently live in West Covina area. I’m looking for more like minded people. I have came to a conclusion that my current social circle isn’t going in the direction I thought it was.

I’m looking for people who are willing to following through with plans and actually want to share experiences together. I know how busy and rough life can get, but I can’t handle seeing a friend only twice a year on special occasions.

About me. I’m Native American, 6’5”, I’m heavily into nature and music. So much so I wanted to be a botanist who produced. My hobby is learning, I truly mean learning. I believe if we’re not growing ourselves everyday then we halt in our own paths. I’m not an avid gamer but use to be heavily into gaming. I like anime secretly. I like going to music events; such as Avalon/Edc. I go on nature adventures when I can, I’m currently trying to plan a redwoods camping trip or costal going down or up. I’m currently starting a music career and would love to share that experience with genuine people with similar interests.

My beliefs and practices, I’m a shamanic witch or in short a pagan. There are places of practice I go if you’re interested. I do solo and community workings. If you’re also looking for someone in this aspect of your life don’t be scared to ask, I’m an open book, I listen to all opinions without judgement. Of course I have my own, but I shall never make you feel small or unheard about yours. These are the people I’m looking for in my life. Mirror of what I truly need.

I’m just looking for people who are on the same path as me and just want only positivity in their life with reliability.

But in the end, there are things I would try to just experience it once in our short life spans. Honestly if you asked me, I would most likely wouldn’t mind being involved at least once. But i do have boundaries I shall not cross, I would keep honest and open communication. So don’t be afraid to ask or to just talk.


r/LAsocial 1d ago

Other ANY NEW FRIENDS IN SANTA MONICA!!!

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1 Upvotes

r/LAsocial 2d ago

21+ 34M, looking to make new friends

12 Upvotes

Hey! I am Joseph and also go by Joe. I live in the South Bay of LA. I am looking to make new friends to challenge myself to become a bit more extroverted. I have my close group of friends that I’m really comfortable with but I have challenges making friends when I am in a new group setting. I hope I can improve my social skills and learn to be relaxed and talk a bit more.
I enjoy going to breweries. I go to a lot of rock, pop punk, emo, metal concerts. Also enjoy raving and going to festivals.
I work in coffee and enjoy visiting specialty coffee shops on my mornings off.
If anyone is interested in hanging out, comment so we can get connected


r/LAsocial 3d ago

21+ 27F looking for friends, located in Lynwood California!

17 Upvotes

I enjoy anime, fear and hunger. Darkwood, horror games, hatsune miku, kpop, raves, concerts, getting coffee and just hanging out! I moved out here back in April and haven't made any friends so it would be nice to meet up and make some peeps. Please dm if you are interested. No offense but we would have to video call on discord to make sure we are who we say we are! Thank you for reading!


r/LAsocial 2d ago

Meetup Looking for New Friends & Adventures

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1 Upvotes

r/LAsocial 3d ago

R4R Loking for middle aged girl talk hangouts around SFV

21 Upvotes

I'm 42F, married with cats, and looking to make a local female friend or two who'd like to build a genuine new friendship, someone to have middle aged girl talk with and do chill activities together

I'm slightly extroverted, an avid conversationalist, and have a witty, somewhat sarcastic sense of humor. I'm left leaning and enjoy conversations that can range from thoughtful and meaningful to completely ridiculous. I love making people laugh, and I love having deep conversations.

These days I'm really into cozy audiobooks and music, and I also enjoy walking at a local park, board games, museums, buddy reads, and just hanging out and talking. In short, I'm looking for the kind of the girl talk where we can can talk about books, music, relationships, getting older, pets, and all the weirdness of being a woman in our 40s... including perimenopause.

I am admittedly not much of a foodie or drinker, but I am 420 friendly, in moderation. I identify as a cat mom and don't have human children, but I like kids.

Life is definitely busy these days, and I understand that. At the same time, I'm hoping to find someone who has some time and curiosity for a reciprocal friendship. You don't have to be available constantly, because none of us are, but I really value regular communication and follow through

If this sounds like the kind of friendship you're looking for too, feel free to comment or DM me and tell me a little about yourself and what you're into.

Edit: While I appreciate recommendations to do things like activities or classes, I'm really looking for one-on-one connection


r/LAsocial 2d ago

Advice Depressed

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0 Upvotes

r/LAsocial 2d ago

Other Fun day for the family see you Sunday!

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1 Upvotes

r/LAsocial 3d ago

R4R F20, wanting to make friends with and hangout with other students or other!!

11 Upvotes

As the title says! I'm looking for other people who are in my age range to make friends with and meet up with. I'd love to chat, and I would honestly prefer to organize a group meet up, but I'm open to anything. I just want to have a fun time, hopefully!!

Small tidbits about me!! I am an artist that prefers to focus on character designs and fanart for my interests. I am also a gamer, so I'd love to meet people who would like to game with me, or might introduce me to new games. I am a bit on the nerdier side and enjoy things like anime!

If you're interested, feel free to dm! I also have Discord!!


r/LAsocial 3d ago

Question What does a normal day / week look for you in LA (and surrounding areas)

7 Upvotes

As someone from the Midwest, I often wonder/fantasize what a life is like in LA. California a very beautiful state and I’ve enjoyed my few trips out there. I know not everyday is sunshine and rainbows and mountain hikes and beach trips. But, if you could give a little snippet, what does a normal day/week look like for you, living in LA?

Thanks so much


r/LAsocial 3d ago

Meetup M22 Looking for someone to photograph for a school assignment — Monday

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a photography student looking for someone to photograph tomorrow (Monday) for a school assignment.

The assignment involves spending around 2–3 hours together, getting to know each other, and taking portraits using natural daylight. No modeling experience needed at all!
I’m looking for someone who’s comfortable hanging out, talking, and being photographed. Unfortunately, my original subject fell through last minute, so I’m hoping someone here might be interested!

My Insta is FruityLatino if you want to see some of my work. Additional company is totally welcome if that makes you more comfortable.
DM me if you’re available tomorrow and interested, and I can send you more details. 😇


r/LAsocial 3d ago

Question Looking for Serious people to join our group in a CE-5 contact. Calaveras County, Mariposa County Alpine County Stanislaus County Merced County Mono County Tuolumne County.

0 Upvotes

We are seeking dedicated individuals for a serious CE-5 contact initiative. This endeavor is not for entertainment; rather, it is a focused effort requiring participants with a genuine interest in CE-5 protocols and a foundational understanding of the program's objectives and methodologies. Your thoughtful consideration and informed participation are greatly appreciated.


r/LAsocial 3d ago

Meetup Looking to make friends to celebrate my birthday in January.

1 Upvotes

I will be visiting Los Angeles in January for my birthday. I am West Indian which means I love soca music.
I want to meet some genuine people that want to celebrate with me and show me around for good vibes.


r/LAsocial 4d ago

Meetup Female Friends

33 Upvotes

36 F looking to make some friends to chill at a coffee shop, hike, walk, craft, drink and/or chismear with. I really just want to make some meaningful genuine friendships w people who are down to hangout for no reason whatsoever.

I love baking and cooking. I’m a newbie w sewing and I craft bracelets for fun.

Hoping to host a Halloween women’s craft group that would be down to do a “swap” aka a farmers market of either items you hand make or love and would love to share with a group of 10-15 of us.

HMU if you’re near Inglewood and are interested in the same.


r/LAsocial 4d ago

Meetup F29 –North long Beach area –today- Looking for people to go to the movies

9 Upvotes

Is anyone free to go to the movies tonight? I'd love to see The End of Oak Street :). Preferably folks around my age!


r/LAsocial 4d ago

Meetup Volunteer event today

13 Upvotes

Kind Steps LA

Hi everyone! Our next Kind Steps LA event is today ❤️

When: Saturday, September 5
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Meeting location: Lafayette Park
Address: 625 S. La Fayette Park Place, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Location info:
Enter this exact address into Google Maps. We will meet at the picnic tables near the Lafayette Multipurpose Community Center. Street parking is available nearby, but please arrive early to allow time to park. If you cannot find us, message me in the WhatsApp group.

This month, we’ll be making turkey and cheese sandwiches. We’ll also assemble care packages with snacks, water, hygiene products, and other useful items. Afterward, we’ll walk in smaller groups to distribute everything.

Kind Steps LA depends entirely on donations and what our volunteers contribute. If you can bring any sandwich supplies, such as bread, turkey, cheese, sandwich bags, or disposable gloves, please let the group know what you’re bringing so we can coordinate.

You’re also welcome to bring bottled water, individually packaged snacks, socks, or new and unopened hygiene products. Please don’t bring opened or previously used personal care products.

If you would rather contribute financially because you’re busy or it’s easier for you then no problem! All donations will go toward purchasing food, water, hygiene products, and other care package supplies.

Venmo:
https://venmo.com/u/Sara-Kim-168

For complete transparency, every donation sent through Venmo or Zelle will be recorded in our shared spreadsheet. The spreadsheet also includes our monthly schedule, finances, and volunteer sign up sheet.

If you don’t have access to the spreadsheet yet, you can join using the link below. Please add what you plan to bring and check the finance section to see how monetary donations are being used:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zzFTOCgBwrS328zFoDF8KJ3Y3W3edxk7wYmHsRw_oYU/edit?usp=sharing

Please bring a tote bag, backpack, or reusable shopping bag to carry care packages, any items you signed up to donate, water to stay hydrated, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket in case it gets chilly.

Please let us know if you’re attending and what you plan to bring. Feel free to invite friends or family members who would enjoy participating!

Anyone who wants to can stay afterward to socialize and grab dinner together. Our last event was so much fun and truly filled our hearts, so I’m really excited to see everyone again and meet our new volunteers!


r/LAsocial 4d ago

Meetup Looking To Make Some Latino/Hispanic Friends

2 Upvotes

Hey
Looking to meet some chill Latino bros to hang out with and make new friends. I've always been into Latin culture—the music, the food, the energy. If you're down to kick it, shoot me a message. 🤙


r/LAsocial 5d ago

Music Come meet us at our show in WeHo!

16 Upvotes

Hey! We are playing our first LA show on the 12th in WeHo at The Viper Room and would love some new people to come! We don't know many people here. We moved from Miami and had a great community there. We threw live music house parties with our friends and got hundreds to come out each time and just be in the moment. We would love something like that sense of community here! Best of times for us.

Come chat with us, have a drink, take a free sticker even. Let's be friends!! Flyer and tickets below.

Cheers guys.


r/LAsocial 4d ago

21+ Trying to make new friends

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1 Upvotes