How to Make New Friends (Without It Feeling Awkward)

Making new friends as an adult can feel tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Discover how to meet new people, build real friendships, and connect with your kind of crowd through Haven.

Let’s Be Real — Making Friends Isn’t Always Easy

You might be surrounded by people all day, yet still feel disconnected...

Step 1: Put Yourself Out There (Even If It’s a Bit Scary)...

Step 2: Notice the World Around You...

Step 3: Join Spaces That Reflect You...

Step 4: Be Real, Not Perfect...

Step 5: Be the Friend You’re Looking For...

How to Deal with Having No Friends (and Start Feeling Connected Again)

Feeling like you have no friends? You’re not alone — loneliness is more common than you think. Here’s how to rebuild your social circle and find genuine connections with Haven.

You’re Not Broken — You’re Just Human

There are billions of people on this planet, and yet so many of us feel lonely...

1. Start by Being Kind to Yourself...

2. Find Spaces That Feel Right...

3. Be Open, Not Perfect...

4. Say Yes (Even When You Feel Like Saying No)...

5. Let Go of Fear and Rejection...

6. Remember: Everyone Feels Lonely Sometimes...

The Story Behind the Name Haven

In a world where everyone’s connected yet somehow still lonely, we wanted to build something that felt different — something that felt safe.

What Haven Means: A place of safety, a pause in the chaos, a space where you can simply be yourself.

The Idea That Sparked It All: People crave connection, but not everyone knows where to find it anymore...

Why the Name Fits So Perfectly: Every element of Haven is designed to recreate belonging...

Haven Is More Than a Name — It’s a Feeling: It’s not about networking. It’s about connecting.

25 Questions to Ask at Events — From Hello to Goodbye (Haven Edition)

Walking into a Haven event can be exciting… and a little intimidating. How do you spark a real conversation? How do you connect beyond small talk?

Whether it’s a Haven Mystery Night, VIP gathering, or casual hangout, the right questions can turn a simple event into unforgettable connections. Here’s our ultimate guide: 25 questions to ask from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

5 Questions to Kick Off Introductions

• What made you smile today?
• What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?
• What brought you to this event tonight?
• What do you think everyone else here does for a living?
• What would make tonight a perfect experience for you?

5 Questions to Break the Ice

• How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?
• Do you believe in online dating or networking apps?
• Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy you live by?
• What’s one surprising thing most people wouldn’t guess about you?
• What’s the last thing you tried for the first time?

5 Questions to Learn More About People

• Is there a book, podcast, or show you’d recommend?
• What’s a cultural tradition you find fascinating?
• What’s one small thing you do to make the world a better place?
• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
• Share a time you stepped out of your comfort zone — what did you learn?

5 Questions to Go Deeper

• How do you define success in your life?
• If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
• What’s a lesson you learned the hard way?
• Do you think people are moving in the right direction, or regressing?
• What’s a long-term goal or dream you’ve been chasing?

5 Questions to Close the Event

• If you had to recommend one place or activity nearby, which would it be?
• What does it take to build a lasting friendship, connection, or relationship?
• What’s the one thing you’ll take away from tonight?
• If you had to leave with one final thought, what would it be?
• Anything you wish we had talked about?

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

In a world that’s increasingly digital, real human connection feels rare. At Haven, we design events and spaces to help you meet people who actually get your vibe.

Every conversation counts. Asking thoughtful questions transforms ordinary interactions into meaningful connections.

How Loneliness Affects Your Health — And How Haven Can Help

The Silent Ache of Disconnection

Loneliness can creep in even in bustling cities, lively workplaces, and endless social media feeds...

How Loneliness Impacts Your Body & Brain

• Heart & Circulation: Chronic loneliness increases heart disease and stroke risk.
• Cognitive Health: Lack of conversation accelerates cognitive decline.
• Immune System: Loneliness triggers inflammation, weakening your defenses.
• Mental Well-being: It alters perception, increasing anxiety and depression.

The Haven Approach: Connection Overcomes Loneliness

The antidote isn’t forcing yourself into crowds — it’s small, intentional moments...

Types of Friendships — And How to Find the Ones That Suit You Best

Friendship comes in many shapes and forms. Some friends are for a lifetime, others for a season...

The Lifelong Friend

These are your ride-or-die people. You can pick up where you left off anytime...

The Activity Friend

You bond over shared interests — like hiking, yoga, or games.

The Work/Professional Friend

Colleagues who become friends through collaboration and shared ambition.

The Emotional Support Friend

The one who listens, comforts, and gives perspective when you’re overwhelmed.

The Seasonal Friend

Friends who enter your life for a specific chapter and leave lasting memories.