Whether you’re born and raised here, a new arrival, or a seasoned expat – people are always coming and going in this international city. So which essential apps do you use to find new friends when you’re new to Singapore? Who will replace your wing woman when she flies off for her next work assignment adventure?
Friend dating can be daunting – the stakes for platonic mates might be lower than finding your partner for life, but it’s still hard putting yourself out there! And we’re not in school anymore. No arbitrary boundaries like homerooms or dorms to corral us into cohorts. So here’s where to find your people and how to win them over once you’ve clicked.
First, show up
Scour event postings on Meetup, Eventbrite, Peatix, Couchsurfing and Facebook. The fastest way to connect is over a common interest. Check out crafty classes or explore new hobbies. Develop a cult gym habit like CrossFit or Orangetheory, find your favourite studio, or dust off your team sports skills. Look for listings from organizations like American Womens’ Association (it’s not just for US citizens), find a coworking space, or join a more exclusive private members club like 1880 or Straits Clan – they all curate robust events calendars where you might meet your new friend.
When those in-person options fail you, it’s time to start swiping!
Apps like Bumble, Tinder, and Hey! Vina aren’t just for romantic dating and hookups. Bumble recently introduced a BFF swiping mode to help you achieve your #squadgoals. If you’re a trail(blaz)ing spouse like me, you might be a little rusty at the whole online dating game. So here are a few tips to find fast friends in Singapore:
Don’t be lazy
Fill out your profile with more than just pictures. Sure, first impressions matter, but true friends love you for who you are, not how you look.
Be specific
You won’t find your ride-or-die by looking for “like-minded individuals.” Are you a righteous feminist, an introverted Harry Potter fanatic, a crazy K-pop sasaeng? Show your potential besties what your mind is like.
Get active
How do you spend your time? Are you more into hawker centres and hot tables, yoga and hiking, or clubbing and boozy brunches? Compatibility – and friend date ideas – will flow naturally from these cues.
You swiped, it’s a match! Now what do you say?
Friends compliment each other
Get beyond “hey” by sharing what you have in common. What caught your attention to swipe right? Find out where she got her sweet ink. Gush over her eclectic music taste. Bond over scenes from the show you are both binging on.
Ask open questions
Pull your weight by keeping the conversation going. Not much detail in her profile? Ask where that #instaworthy travel shot was taken and what the best bite of the trip was. Save the work talk for later. Sure, you might be looking look for fellow boss ladies, but we are more than our job titles.
Get down to business
No need to share your entire life stories in a lengthy text thread. You both swiped right, so set up a coffee date or suggest a nearby happy hour. Make the first move so your new friend doesn’t have to. You’ll figure out quickly if you need to dig out the gimp for your new friendship bracelets.
Follow up, friend!
You met up, you clicked. Great! Now suggest a next plan. Already got something on the calendar your new friend might enjoy? Invite them along. Or skim through these free ideas to explore with your new adventure buddy.
Make friends of friends
If they share their taste in you, odds are good your friends might like your other friends. Rally the troops for ladies’ night. Or host a plus-one party where each guest introduces one new addition to the fold. Help newbies make new friends in Singapore, too.
Check out Bumble BFF’s insta for more big friendship inspo and memes (and bee-friendly puns we Honeycombers love). And just remember: everyone wants to know they are liked, so don’t be shy about being the first to show it. Happy swiping!
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