Making friends: get to know like-minded people from the vintage scene
I recently had a really nice conversation with a buyer on a sales platform who bought a few of my things and asked how you could get to know people from the vintage and retro scene. I find the question super interesting and definitely worth a post. However, I would like to say in advance that many of my friends do not come from the vintage scene. Fortunately, I still have close friends from my school days, even though we all took completely different paths afterwards. But of course it’s still really nice when you have friends who share the same interests in old films, fashion and music. So here are a few tips on how you can get to know like-minded people.
Find like-minded people and making friends on social media
Social media don’t always have the best reputation, but they can be really helpful when looking for friends! The advantage is that – thanks to the algorithm – you are automatically suggested accounts with topics that you find exciting. And I’ve also met really good new friends, especially through Instagram! Simply network with people from the scene there – it’s really super easy!
Tip: Just be brave and write to people you find exciting in a direct message. Especially if they come from your area! What should happen? In the worst case scenario, you will receive no response or a rejection. But it can also lead to really great friendships! For example, I like to write to Instagrammers I am already in contact with if I happen to be traveling to their city anyway. Of course, you can’t necessarily see each other regularly, but thanks to social media and messenger services, you can still stay in touch and meet up every now and then.
Shop locally at vintage and retro stores
Admittedly, it is often easier to make new friends with like-minded people in the big city, simply because there are more people there. But it’s not impossible in the country either. Another tip from me would be to buy more locally and not just order everything online. Firstly, it’s a lot of fun to browse through vintage shops and secondly, you usually meet other people from the scene there. If you’re open-minded, you’ll find it easy to strike up a conversation there and, at best, make new friends!
Shopping Tips: The best Vintage Shops in Munich
Meet new people: Go to vintage events
Rock’n Roll festivals, burlesque shows, classic car exhibitions and other events from the vintage scene are the perfect place to make new contacts! There are a lot of like-minded people here, the atmosphere is usually great and very relaxed and it’s easy to strike up a conversation.
Making friends: swing dance courses etc.
If you can’t find someone to accompany you to events, you might not necessarily want to go there alone. Then I can recommend that you look for swing dance courses etc. in your area. You can often take part there without a partner and, at best, meet new friends there!
Missionize your friends
You have to take this last tip with a wink. Of course, you shouldn’t try to proselytize and impose your lifestyle on your friends, who may have completely different interests. But you can definitely encourage them to perhaps accompany you to a burlesque show, a classic car exhibition or a concert. Maybe one or the other will discover a new passion and you can go there together more often in the future.
Where have you met like-minded people? Do you have any other tips for us? Then please leave a comment under this post!
