Moving to a new city can be especially difficult when you don’t already have friends that live there. For those who are more introverted or work from home, making new friends is a lot harder than it has to be. No one really wants to be bothered at a coffee shop, and it can be difficult to think of activities where you might casually mingle with people.
Fret no more: Technology has provided yet another way to make your life 10 times easier. We’ve combed through the latest friend-making apps to find the top five that are the most likely to help you land a new happy-hour comrade.
1) Wiith
Want something spontaneous and low-pressure that requires minimal effort? The Wiith app is for you. You can post an activity that you plan on doing—like hiking, a concert, or cocktails—and approve or deny people to join you. You can also join someone else’s activity. The Tinder-like app encourages more adventurous physical interactions with potential BFFs. While the app doesn’t direct you to people with compatible characteristics, it shouldn’t be hard to find a decent match if someone is excited about the same activities as you.
2) Patook
If you require a friend that is just as obsessed with Pokemon Go as you are, Patook is for you. This app focuses on common interests. The compatibility app directs you toward people that have similar characteristics and values. That’s key when looking for friends that will be around for the long haul.
3) Bumble BFF
You’ve probably heard of Bumble, the dating app that forces girls to make the first move. The Sadie-Hawkins style application has launched a friend-zone version of the app that helps those seeking strictly platonic relationships. It will only show your profile to other people who are looking for friends, not dates. Also much like Tinder, Bumble BFF is a swipe-left, swipe-right venture.
4) Meetup
Launched in 2002, Meetup is one of the older social networks still kicking, and it’s still one of the best ways of meeting new people. It’s free and allows people to organize groups around common themes, interests, or ideas, whether it’s for a kickball team or a flash mob. There are thousands of groups listed in New York City alone, with titles ranging from “Black people who love being black” and “Lesbians who brunch” to and “International Singles.”
5) Grip
If your friends have to meet your professional standards, Grip is for you. Think Tinder meets Linkedin. This app will help you find other professionals similar to your profile to develop friendships, collaborate on ideas, and network in your professional arena. You’ll need to have your résumé handy.
Now all you need to make a friend is a Wi-Fi connection. Polish your profile, keep an open mind and the friends should start rolling in.