We asked Sun-Times readers for the best way to make a friend in Chicago. Here’s a sampling of responses, lightly edited for clarity.
“Wear a Cubs/Sox hat, Bears/Bulls/Sky/Fire/Blackhawk jersey. … Boom, you’ll make a friend somewhere!”
Julie Gammicchia
“Get to know the neighbors in your building. Maybe invite them to a housewarming party if you’ve just moved in or to celebrate something.”
Anne Sistler
“Find a corner tavern, leave an empty stool and keep an open mind for your new neighbor.”
Lief Erikson
“When I walk my dog, I generally run into other dog lovers or sometimes just nice people who are walking.”
Tanya Kornelsen, 52, Palos Park
“A bunch of us who didn’t know each other responded to an ad in the neighborhood Nextdoor four years ago. We got lucky. We’ve forged an unbelievably diversified friendship. My advice: It’s not easy but you gotta put yourself out there,”
Bobbie Connolly-Davis
“Chicago is rather friendly in most parts. I have made friends just striking up a conversation in a store or a concert.”
Daniel Herolt
“Go to school, college, church, a nightclub or family day at your local swimming pool,”
Eli Del Toro
“Join an organized group doing things that you like to do. Be friendly and take an interest in others.”
Elmer Costabile
“Buy a shot of Malört and an Old Style for everyone in the tavern.”
Wayne Rokicki
“Check out a congregation or an extended learning class. Learn to play bridge or Canasta or join a library reading club.”
Judy Panko Reis
“Meet through a friend or at a concert or museum.”
Janice Gerhman
“Learn a social dance. (Tango, swing, ballroom, salsa, etc.)”
Hillary Leben
“Join an exercise class, a photography or book club. Whatever interests you. There are mutual interests and conversation starters. Realize that it may take some time to connect.”
Daniel Herolt
“Go to a neighborhood bar and buy a drink for the person sitting next to you after you’ve struck up a conversation.”
Phil Zacher
“Buy ’em a beer or a hot dog, while discussing Cubs, Sox, Hawks or Bears.”
Richard Brunke
“Work with them and trauma bond.”
Stacey Sliz, 40, Ukrainian Village
“Say you’re from Chicago when you’re actually from Schaumburg or Downers Grove. You’ll be very popular.”
Scott Barnes
“Be a friend.”
Pat Fitzmaurice