# 10 Tips to Meeting People In Real Life

> How to go out alone and meet people without awkwardness.
- Title: 10 Tips to Meeting People In Real Life · Cosmopolitan
- Summary: How to go out alone and meet people without awkwardness. Going out alone can help meet people by focusing on enjoyment and practice rather than immediate…
- Keywords: meeting people, social skills, going out alone, dating tips, real life interactions, conversation starters, bar socializing, coffee shops, bartender interactions, regulars, Tips, Meeting
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/relationships/a74102650/how-to-go-out-alone
- Author: Kayla Kibbe
- Published: 2026-10-15T21:59:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: meeting people, social skills, going out alone, dating tips, real life interactions, conversation starters, bar socializing, coffee shops, bartender interactions, regulars
## Expect (and Accept) Rejection
Going out alone doesn't guarantee meeting someone; rejection is normal and part of the process.

> There can be joy in connecting with someone without immediately framing the interaction around whether they’re available or interested in dating you.
## Reframe Your Expectations
Success is enjoying yourself, not finding a date immediately, meeting someone is the cherry on top, not the entire dessert.

> Meeting someone should be the cherry on top of your ice cream, not the entire dessert.
## Put Your Phone Away
Leave your phone behind to avoid signaling disinterest; reading a book can be a conversation starter.

> Our phones and headphones have become defense mechanisms and signal ‘Do not approach or look at me’ to other people.
## Talk to People!
Initiate conversations by commenting on topics like sports teams or clothing to make interactions natural.

> If I overhear a group of guys talking about a sports team, especially one I don’t like, I have no problem inserting my opinion or cracking a joke.
## Eavesdrop
Listen to conversations and respond to create natural connections without being intrusive.

> Eavesdropping on the conversations happening around you is an easy way to introduce yourself and start up a conversation with someone.
## Talk to the Bartender
Bartenders are natural conversation starters; they might connect you with other patrons.

> Your bartenders might be familiar with that hot guy who’s sitting at the bar next to you.
## Become a Regular
Visit the same place regularly to build comfort and natural connections over time.

> You want to find places where there are built-in conversation starters because they make it easier to interact with strangers.
## Don’t Be Afraid to Approach People
Take the lead in conversations with eye contact, a smile, or a small talk starter.

> It can be eye contact, a smile, or starting a small conversation that gives him an opening to meet you there.
## It’s Okay to Have a Go-To Opening Line
Use low-pressure questions like what they usually order or their thoughts on a book to start conversations.

> It is low-pressure, gives the other person an easy out if they’re not interested, and opens the door naturally.
## Be Approachable
Use body language like smiling and eye contact to signal openness to conversation.

> If you’re hunched over your phone or have your arms crossed, you’re essentially wearing a ‘do not disturb’ sign.
## Key takeaway

Going out alone can help meet people by focusing on enjoyment and practice rather than immediate dating.