A lonely post-grad tests whether approaching 35 strangers at the gym can turn a daily routine into new friendships

The author describes struggling to make friends after college and repeatedly finding the same advice: pursue hobbies with other people consistently. Despite social anxiety and fears of annoying gym-goers, they decide to run a month-long experiment by approaching one person a day at the gym.

The piece reflects a broader post-college loneliness problem, where familiar institutions disappear and casual community becomes harder to build. It also highlights how third places like gyms can become social infrastructure, but only when people are willing to navigate awkwardness and uncertain norms.

Talking to strangers at the gym