About us
We part of the non-partisan International Friend Connection network. Our goal is simple: helping people make friends in the real world.
This local group is for adults who are shy, socially anxious, introverted, lonely or feel left out.
This group is meant to be a calm place to reconnect with the real world, meet friendly people and slowly become more comfortable being around others again.
You do not have to be outgoing. You do not have to talk the whole time. You can come nervous, quiet or unsure what to say. Many regulars started that way.
Our events may include things like coloring, games, coffee, movies, meals and quiet conversation. The goal is simple: give people a safe enough place to keep showing up until familiar faces become friends.
To protect group members, hosts may step in if behavior becomes unsafe, disruptive, harassing, coercive or inappropriate for the venue or purpose of the group. We follow Meetup’s Community Guidelines.
Nobody under 18 is allowed to attend as per Meetup's guidelines.
Upcoming events
40
- Network event
🌐Make Friends Across the World (A Welcoming Space for All People) - 35 Cities
·OnlineOnline30 attendees from 35 groupsWelcome. This is a kind, positive place to meet people from all over the world.
This event is advertised in 35 cities worldwide, so you never know who you will meet.
Everyone is welcome here, no matter who you are or where you come from. Maybe you want to meet friends from different countries and cultures. Maybe you are shy or socially anxious and want a low-pressure way to connect. Maybe both.
You belong here either way.We give people two hours together to relax, connect, and remember a simple truth. We are all human.
You do not need to be good at small talk. You just need to show up. And we will be glad you did.The first hour: the main room
We play a simple Table Topics game. It is an easy, fun way to practice speaking with an encouraging group.
This hour leans toward our shy and socially anxious members, so the pace is gentle and nobody is put on the spot. Every voice is welcome.Anytime: breakout rooms
We keep breakout rooms open the whole time. If the main activity feels like too much, or you just want to swap stories with people from around the world, you can slip into a smaller group and chat.
Both are great. You choose.Come as you are. Stay as long as you like. Leave with a friend or two.
A few house rules
Everyone is welcome. We keep this a safe, respectful space in line with Meetup's conduct policy (https://meetu.ps/3kzYxt).Because this space is also for people who are shy, socially anxious, or just looking for a low-pressure place to connect, please keep conversation welcoming and respectful.
One important note
We are a friendship and connection group, not a mental health support service. We are not trained for that and cannot provide it. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or a local support line.We hope to see you there.
Grab all of our free classes on beating social anxiety, human connection, and community organizing at:
https://www.youtube.com/@friendmagnetP.S. My book From Bedridden to the Boardroom is on pre-order for just $0.99 before the price goes up at launch. If you have ever felt stuck or hopeless, grab it here:
https://davidgood.org/book.html2 attendees from this group 
🧑🎨 The Shy-Friendly Hangout: Bring Coloring, Activities, & Meet New Friends
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USThis is a calm, low-pressure space for shy, socially anxious, or introverted people to reconnect with the real world.
Just look for the Meetup sign in the cafe area.
You don't have to talk. You can color, knit, play a game, or just sit and listen. No group introductions. No pressure to perform. Bring coloring books, art supplies, card games, a Nintendo Switch, or any quiet activity that helps you feel comfortable. Having something to focus on makes it much easier to be around people.
Ease in at your own pace.***
A note on making friends.
A lot of people come once and feel let down when they don't make close friends right away. That's normal. The people who keep showing up are usually the ones who end up making real friends over time. Friendship grows slowly. Give it a few visits.***
About the cost. It's free.
We use Meetup only as our RSVP system. During signup, Meetup may show you an optional Meetup+ offer. You don't need it to RSVP or attend. If you see that screen, just choose "Continue with free plan." Any Meetup+ payment goes to Meetup, not to us.***
Showing up tonight was the hard part. My book is about everything that comes after. The eBook of my new book, From Bedridden to the Boardroom: Life Begins When You Lose Everything, is only 99 cents until the August 1st launch. Paper copies available everywhere after that.
https://ifcgood.com/book***
A few common sense house rules.
Everyone is welcome. We keep this a safe, respectful space in line with Meetup's conduct policy and our group rules. Find out rules and website at (https://ifcgood.com/links).Because this space is mainly for people who are shy, socially anxious, or just looking for a low-pressure place to connect, please keep conversation light, welcoming, and respectful.
We can't allow anyone under 18 to attend. We do have classes for educators who want to start a group in their schools.
Although, we can't be mental health support, we are a safe place to make friends. If you're in need of more support, please reach out to a warmline or crisis support in your country.
18 attendees- Network event
🌐Make Friends Across the World (A Welcoming Space for All People) - 35 Cities
·OnlineOnline20 attendees from 35 groupsWelcome. This is a kind, positive place to meet people from all over the world.
This event is advertised in 35 cities worldwide, so you never know who you will meet.
Everyone is welcome here, no matter who you are or where you come from. Maybe you want to meet friends from different countries and cultures. Maybe you are shy or socially anxious and want a low-pressure way to connect. Maybe both.
You belong here either way.We give people two hours together to relax, connect, and remember a simple truth. We are all human.
You do not need to be good at small talk. You just need to show up. And we will be glad you did.The first hour: the main room
We play a simple Table Topics game. It is an easy, fun way to practice speaking with an encouraging group.
This hour leans toward our shy and socially anxious members, so the pace is gentle and nobody is put on the spot. Every voice is welcome.Anytime: breakout rooms
We keep breakout rooms open the whole time. If the main activity feels like too much, or you just want to swap stories with people from around the world, you can slip into a smaller group and chat.
Both are great. You choose.Come as you are. Stay as long as you like. Leave with a friend or two.
A few house rules
Everyone is welcome. We keep this a safe, respectful space in line with Meetup's conduct policy (https://meetu.ps/3kzYxt).Because this space is also for people who are shy, socially anxious, or just looking for a low-pressure place to connect, please keep conversation welcoming and respectful.
One important note
We are a friendship and connection group, not a mental health support service. We are not trained for that and cannot provide it. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or a local support line.We hope to see you there.
Grab all of our free classes on beating social anxiety, human connection, and community organizing at:
https://www.youtube.com/@friendmagnetP.S. My book From Bedridden to the Boardroom is on pre-order for just $0.99 before the price goes up at launch. If you have ever felt stuck or hopeless, grab it here:
https://davidgood.org/book.html 🧑🎨 The Shy-Friendly Hangout: Bring Coloring, Activities, & Meet New Friends
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USThis is a calm, low-pressure space for shy, socially anxious, or introverted people to reconnect with the real world.
Just look for the Meetup sign in the cafe area.
You don't have to talk. You can color, knit, play a game, or just sit and listen. No group introductions. No pressure to perform. Bring coloring books, art supplies, card games, a Nintendo Switch, or any quiet activity that helps you feel comfortable. Having something to focus on makes it much easier to be around people.
Ease in at your own pace.***
A note on making friends.
A lot of people come once and feel let down when they don't make close friends right away. That's normal. The people who keep showing up are usually the ones who end up making real friends over time. Friendship grows slowly. Give it a few visits.***
About the cost. It's free.
We use Meetup only as our RSVP system. During signup, Meetup may show you an optional Meetup+ offer. You don't need it to RSVP or attend. If you see that screen, just choose "Continue with free plan." Any Meetup+ payment goes to Meetup, not to us.***
Showing up tonight was the hard part. My book is about everything that comes after. The eBook of my new book, From Bedridden to the Boardroom: Life Begins When You Lose Everything, is only 99 cents until the August 1st launch. Paper copies available everywhere after that.
https://ifcgood.com/book***
A few common sense house rules.
Everyone is welcome. We keep this a safe, respectful space in line with Meetup's conduct policy and our group rules. Find out rules and website at (https://ifcgood.com/links).Because this space is mainly for people who are shy, socially anxious, or just looking for a low-pressure place to connect, please keep conversation light, welcoming, and respectful.
We can't allow anyone under 18 to attend. We do have classes for educators who want to start a group in their schools.
Although, we can't be mental health support, we are a safe place to make friends. If you're in need of more support, please reach out to a warmline or crisis support in your country.
3 attendees
Past events
993
