So I have realized that while I have improved a lot with my customer facing skills, small talk, etc, I still have trouble making friends. I have my coworkers who I am cool with, but that's about it. Even when I was a kid, most of my friends I had were people that approached/befriended me first… and if that doesn't happen, it's like I don't feel like trying at all.
In about 2 weeks, I'm moving somewhere that is within walking distance of our downtown area (bars, shopping, etc). I'm not really a huge drinker, but I'm not super opposed to it either. Although I don't really like doing it much because it's expensive.. not to mention, I live in a ski town. The rent is a bit expensive but it's a ski town, so fairly typical up here.
I really don't know how to make friends other than through chance (seeing each other at the gym often and they recognize me, they befriend me first, etc). I made a post to our local Facebook page proposing a Free Baking Exchange type of thing (like a potluck), and while a ton of people commented on the initial idea, once I made the actual event, only 1 person joined it and I felt to continue. A lot of people did sound interested though so I might create the event again. I love baking so I feel like this would be a comfortable environment to meet people.
I was under the impression that once I moved out of my mom's house, to somewhere where I didn't know anyone, I would have no trouble making friends… but I am still struggling with this. I find I can talk to people, banter, make small talk, etc, but I really don't have anyone I would call a close friend here.
If you were in my position (somewhat introverted, wanting to make more friends, living in close proximity to a fairly social hub), how would you go about making friends and meeting more locals??