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Meeting new people and making real connections takes courage, especially when you're going about it solo. Thanks to TOconnect, you now have opportunities to find companions for casual activities by matching with others also seeking friendship. However, taking things from online to in-person can understandably feel daunting at first.

While chatting and sharing interests is a great starting point, truly bonding with someone happens through shared experiences. Getting coffee, going for a walk in the park, or exploring a museum together provides opportunities to truly get to know someone beyond messages and profiles. The rewards are deepening friendships and building community.

Your initial 1-1 hang out serves as an important step to determine if an online connection shows potential to become an offline friendship. Have no fear - coming prepared through solid planning sets the right tone. The key is focusing on genuinely learning about each other, finding common ground and simply enjoying each other's company. Leave room for natural conversation without expectations beyond a light hearted meetup.

Choose a Public Place

For safety, choose a busy, public location for your first in-person meeting. Coffee shops, parks, and restaurants provide low-key, low-pressure environments where you can chat comfortably while still being around other people. Let someone know where you're going in case you want to check-in afterwards. 

Exchange Contact Details

Before meeting up, make sure to exchange names and get each other's phone number. This allows for easy communication if plans need to change at the last minute. You can also use social platforms like Messenger and  WhatsApp. Having this contact info provides reassurance in case you need to reconnect if you get separated at your meeting spot.

Decide on an Activity

Don't just agree to "meet for coffee" - pick a specific place and time so there's clarity and less possibility of confusion. You may also want to discuss doing an activity like going for a walk or tour afterwards if you're really hitting it off and want to extend your outing. An activity beyond just sitting chatting adds more substance and helps gauge shared interests.

Ask Casual Questions

Browsing their profile on TOconnect is a good starting point, but also think of some casual questions to ask and break the ice. Making small talk by chatting about the surroundings, current events, or the weather could get the conversation going. You could also get to know basic information about your new acquaintance like where they grew up and other interests they have. Try to avoid deep, personal questions right away and keep interactions light.

Manage Expectations 

For a first meeting, focus on getting to know the other person and determining if you click, not finding your soulmate. Manage any anxious perfectionist tendencies by remembering this is just an introduction. Small talk may feel stilted at times as you warm up - be forgiving of yourself and any awkward moments. Most importantly, have fun!

Dress Casually & Comfortably  

There's no need for a fancy outfit - dress for the environment and planned activities. Opt for comfortable fabrics and layers in case weather changes. Natural fibers that breathe well will keep you feeling at ease. Your appearance should complement your personality without being overly noticeable or attention-seeking.

Arrive Early 

Showing up a few minutes before the scheduled meeting time allows you to choose a table, order a drink if needed, and not leave the other person waiting - which could make a bad first impression. Use the extra moments to take a few deep breaths and shift your mindset to being present and engaged. 

Be Open & Positive

Go into the meetup with an open and understanding mindset. Smile, make eye contact, and be an active listener by engaging with what the other says. Compliment genuine things you appreciate about them without being overly flattering. Keep body language relaxed and friendly. Maintaining positivity creates a warm atmosphere where both people can feel at ease.

Trust Your Gut  

While being polite, don't ignore red flags like disrespectful comments, overly intrusive questions, or actions that break agreed-upon boundaries. Listen to your intuition - it's there for a reason. End the outing if you feel truly uncomfortable. Remember that you have the right to set limits and exit any situation that has the potential to harm your well-being. Safety and consent are most important here.

Recap & Agree on Next Steps

At the end of your meeting, take a moment to recap how things went and if you both enjoyed the interaction. You can discuss potentially doing another activity together or exchanging social media handles. Thank the other person for their time. If there's no spark or shared interests, a simple well-wishes is enough. But leaving the door open keeps chances alive for a new friendship to blossom. Maybe a second meet up will help the two of you connect in a better way; you never know. 

Follow Up After

Send a quick message reiterating you had a nice time after to continue the positive impression. Resist over-analyzing small details - focus on overall vibes. You can also mention thinking of them if you spot something that reminds you of your conversation. Brief check-ins maintain a friendly connection as you both reflect and determine next steps of deepening the potential new friendship or going separate ways.

Getting yourself out there to meet new people takes courage, especially at first. By going into that first 1-1 meetup with your TOconnect contact well prepared through thoughtful planning and openness, you set the stage to form meaningful new connections with ease. Remember it's okay if certain introductions don't work out - that's part of the process. Stay positive and let your natural charm shine through as you take these initial steps towards building community.

Are you new in Toronto and looking for ways to feel less lonely? Check out some of our other helpful posts!