As you get older, gone are the days when you walk up to a person and ask," Will you be my friend?"
You could, but their reaction might differ from what you hope for.
One Simcoe County woman has found ways of bringing her peers together and, for the last year, has seen new friendships form.
Last year, Colayna Mailloux began "Barrie Millennials Meetup," a group for people between the ages of 25 to mid-40s who can get together, discover new local places and hopefully make connections.
The group isn't about making love connections but providing a safe space to make new friends.
"There are no expectations," Mailloux says.
"If you don't meet five new best friends, that's okay, or you don't leave with a boyfriend or girlfriend, that's okay. Meeting new people in any regard is scary, and I wanted to make it a little less scary," she explains.
Mailloux says the last year has been an unforgettable experience.
Barrie Millennials Meetup courtesy of Colayna Mailloux
"Last year, I was sitting in a café with seven strangers, and now one of them is one of my closest friends. The people I've met have helped me learn more about myself."
In addition to meeting new people, the group has opened their eyes to things to do in Barrie, including its lively music scene.
However, finding new places to host events is a regular challenge.
"I have met a lot of venue owners in the Barrie area who have been super accommodating and awesome to collaborate with," Mailloux says.
"However, I'm always looking for new venues and businesses of any capacity to work together, whether discount codes, having us out for one of their pre-existing events, or creating a whole new event together."
Barrie Millennials Meetup courtesy of Colayna Mailloux
In the meantime, she has a lot of ideas for the group, including karaoke, dinner meetups and monthly events.
Mailloux says 75 percent of people who have come out to events return, but there are always new faces showing up and they are a very welcoming group.
"When a new person comes out to an event, other members take them under their wing and are like, 'Welcome to the millennial community.'"
For more information on Barrie Millennials Meetup, you can check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature image provided by Colayna Mailloux
