To add to this: Any activity that allows for casual socializing while participating in a structured activity/task that is not the other people. This is my advice for making friends in general - platonic or otherwise. - volunteer somewhere. Self selects to a shared interest/cause - art more broadly from theatre, pottery and such - again causal with structure not focused on the social part. - ‘uncool’ causal sports with some built in social aspects - curling is the only one I can think of right now. It’s a good work out and has down time while playing and often has expectation of sharing a drink with the other team after a match. - theatre and ballroom dancing also both fit the structure with casual socializing.

Disclaimer - am a Man.