Where to Meet People (When You’re Sick of Feeling Alone)
The Honest Guide for Men Who Want Real Connection
Written by Joe Masek, cofounder of The Freedom Group
You googled: “Where to meet people.”
Maybe you just moved. Maybe you’ve been isolated too long.
Or maybe you’re just tired of surface-level conversations and want real friendships.
If that’s you, let me tell you two things:
You’re not weird for wanting deeper connection.
You’re not alone in feeling alone.
In fact, research shows that over 60% of adults report feeling lonely on a regular basis. And for men — especially Christian men — that number’s even higher.
But here's the good news:
There are powerful, practical ways to meet people who actually get you — and want to build something real.
Why It’s So Hard to Meet People as an Adult
Let’s name it: meeting new people as an adult is awkward.
You’re busy. Everyone else seems busy. And starting a new friendship from scratch can feel harder than dating.
Here’s what makes it harder for men:
You’re out of college. No built-in social structure.
You work remotely. No coworkers to connect with.
You’re married or have kids. Less time to “just hang.”
You’ve been burned. Past friendships fell apart or never got deep.
And then there’s the biggest reason of all:
No one wants to be the guy who “needs friends.”
So we stay silent, distracted, and slowly disconnected.
But you don’t have to stay there.
The #1 Key to Meeting New People
If you’re asking “Where do I meet people?” — here’s the answer:
Put yourself in environments where people are doing something meaningful together.
Don’t just show up at random events.
Don’t just sit at a bar hoping to connect.
Go where people are intentionally building something — whether that’s growth, healing, faith, fitness, or purpose.
Here’s why that matters:
Shared purpose creates real connection.
10 Real-World Places to Meet People as an Adult
Here are the most effective (and underrated) places to meet people who actually care about personal growth:
1. Men’s Groups at a Local Church
Not all men’s groups are created equal — but the right one will give you weekly connection, spiritual depth, and brotherhood.
2. Faith-Based Recovery or Coaching Groups
This is where we see the deepest bonds form. Our Freedom Groups, for example, connect men who are overcoming addiction and building emotional mastery together.
3. Fitness Communities
Join a rucking group, CrossFit gym, Jiu Jitsu dojo, or run club. You’ll suffer together — and bond deeper than you expect.
4. Local Masterminds or Entrepreneur Groups
If you’re a builder or business owner, find others who are growing too. Growth attracts depth.
5. Serve Teams or Outreach Ministries
Serve others, and you’ll find people who care about more than just themselves.
6. Men’s Retreats or Christian Conferences
Spend 48+ hours with other men in the same trenches as you. Vulnerability and intensity forge brotherhood quickly.
7. Intentional Gatherings (not just hangouts)
Host a fire pit night. A book study. A fasting challenge. A prayer breakfast. Invite 3–5 guys and create structure. Guys show up more when there’s a reason.
8. Public Speaking Meetups (Toastmasters, etc.)
Weirdly effective. People there are often self-aware, curious, and looking to grow.
9. Faith-based apps or platforms (like Gloo or Meetup)
Search for Christian men’s events near you. Bonus: check Facebook groups too.
10. Freedom Groups
This is our space. If you’re a Christian man wanting to build freedom from porn, emotional strength, and lasting brotherhood — we exist for that. Learn more here
What to Say When You Don’t Know Anyone
Okay — so you go to one of these places. Now what?
Here’s a simple script:
“Hey, I’ve been looking for more solid men in my life. Guys who want to grow in faith, discipline, and freedom. I’m glad I came. What brought you here?”
Or:
“I just moved here / I’ve been looking to connect more. How’d you get plugged in?”
People want to connect. Most guys are just waiting for someone to go first.
You can be that guy.
Don’t Just Meet People — Build Brotherhood
Meeting people is the first step.
But what you really want is real friendship. The kind that makes you stronger, sharper, freer.
That’s why we coach men to build what we call the Four Pillars of Brotherhood:
Shared Truth – Go beyond surface talk. Say what’s real.
Shared Struggle – Be honest about what you’re fighting.
Shared Wins – Celebrate each other’s growth.
Shared Presence – Show up consistently, not just occasionally.
You don’t need 10 new friends.
You need 2–3 guys who see the real you and still stick around.
Final Word: You’re Not the Only One Asking “Where Do I Meet People?”
If you’re Googling “where to meet people”…
If you’re tired of shallow relationships…
If you feel alone but don’t want to stay there…
You’re not crazy. You’re human.
And you’re not alone — not really.
There’s a brotherhood waiting to be built.
But it starts with one move:
Show up somewhere. Tell the truth. Stick around.
Want to Meet People Who Actually Get You?
Here are 3 next steps you can take today:
✅ Join a Freedom Group
Meet weekly with men who are rebuilding their lives, breaking free from addiction, and building connection from the inside out.
👉 Apply here
✅ Take the Craving Assessment
Discover the root drivers of your cravings and isolation. Your craving is a clue — not a curse.
👉 Start the quiz
✅ Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn
We drop weekly content on how to build connection, healing, and purpose as a man of God.
👉 @freedomgroup.co
You were never meant to do life alone.
Brotherhood isn’t optional — it’s survival.
And the men you’ve been looking for?
They might be looking for you too.