Ever since the pandemic ended, we’ve been trying to figure out how to reconnect with others. In the three years of lockdown, our social skills got a bit rusty.

Sitting around at home is not the way to have an unlonely summer. We have to get out there and make an effort to connect with other people.

Whether you’re a single who wants to expand your social group or a newcomer to the community who wants to meet new people, an unlonely summer is available to you.

Here are 9 different things that you could try that are guaranteed to give you a summer full of satisfying social interactions.

1. Travel with a group

If you book a vacation as part of a group, you will have several days together with other people, sharing activities and meals and hopefully, creating lasting bonds.

2. Take a class

If you attend a summer class over eight or ten weeks, you have a chance to get to know your classmates. You already have one thing in common; now you can find out if you’re compatible in other ways.

3. Join a sports club

Whether you’re playing tennis, golf, or pickleball, playing sports is a great way to get to know other people. Having an activity to focus on takes the pressure off, so you can ease into a friendship.

4. Attend your local community centre

You can take an art class, a yoga class, a dance class, aqua fit, or swimming lessons. These fun activities will help you to connect with the other people in your group.

5. Participate in an outdoor activity

Join a birding group, a hiking group, a running group, or a bike club. These activities provide ample opportunity for good conversation and new friendships.

6. Get involved

Take part in social activism and meet like-minded people. You’ll be working together towards a good cause and build deeper connections as a result.

7. Explore your faith

Attend services at your local church, synagogue, mosque, or temple and become a part of faith-based community.

8. Volunteer

Bring your sweat equity to a local organization and meet the other people who are helping out. Volunteers tend to be pretty nice people and could be a source of new friends.

9. Be a good neighbour

Check in on the people in your neighborhood, especially the elderly and those who have difficulty getting around. Spending time connecting with your neighbours can be deeply gratifying for both them and you.

As you can see, there are many different ways to have an unlonely summer; many of which require no financial output. The season goes by so quickly. What are you waiting for?

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