There are plenty of fish in Lakeland’s sea — more than 120,000, to be exact — but trying to meet someone for you can be daunting. That’s why we asked our readers where you met your partner or friend in Lakeland. While the love stories poured in, so did responses from readers like Don J., who said, "I didn't, I'm still hopelessly single."

Whether you’re looking to make a love connection or find a new friend group, we’ve created the ultimate guide to meeting someone new using real reader stories. Plus, we even did the hard work and gave you an opening line to use. This one’s for you, Don.

Painting pottery or making mosaics? You choose at Picassoz. | Photo by @picassoz

Learn something new

Several followers told us their stories began at school, like @caitlan.mcm, who said, “Met my soon to be husband in high school at McKeel, we’ll be married this year!” If your school days are long gone, recreate the academic magic by learning painting, poetry, or even wine tasting + getting to know a classmate.

Pickup line: “I know this isn’t science class, but I’m feeling the chemistry.”

Lakeland's community centers are a great place to start if you're looking to make new friends. | Photo courtesy of David Collinsworth

Connect with the community

Surround yourself with like-minded people, and the friends will roll in. Reader Diane H. says, “Choose to do some volunteer work in any organization for which you have some interest or passion and you will find like-minded people. I found a new friend/companion that way.” Good thing there are countless local opportunities to serve, whether you’re into animals, the outdoors, arts, or education.

You can also join your neighborhood coalition to meet someone new who could be right down the street. After all, what’s better than a best friend who lives next door? Readers also shouted out local places of worship and community centers as places to find new friend groups — the event options are endless.

Pickup line: “It’s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood with you around.”

Join Bonnet Springs Park's trivia on the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the rooftop bar. | Photo by LALtoday

Become a regular

Find a favorite local haunt and, well, haunt it. Befriend a barista at one of Lakeland’s many coffee shops, talk to the table sitting next to you at a local third place, or share a happy hour beverage with the cutie next to you at the bar.

Making a connection is even easier when there’s an activity to try. Check out spots like Purrology Cat Cafe to cuddle cats over coffee, or play arcade games together at Rec Room, which comes approved by reader Mara D.: “I met my husband at Rec Room! We spent almost every weekend [there] just to see each other! Finally after a few months we started dating and got married last November!”

Pickup line: “I’m shooting my shot — want to hang out again?”

Meet other young professionals at EMERGE. | Photo by @emergelakeland + @bradenworrell

Get down to business

Many readers found love in the most unexpected of places: on the job. Follower @brittanyxlewis said, “Met my fiance working at Fish City Grill together in 2019,” and @cohesivebrands said, “My husband and I met at Olive Garden on 98 as servers 12 years ago.”

Hey, we’re not HR. If you’re looking for your own Jim and Pam moment, join a networking group to make business and friendship connections (reader Cindy recommends Leadership Lakeland), or try working away from home to meet fresh faces.

Pickup line: “Let’s circle back to this conversation over dinner sometime.”

Running is fun, but running with a group is better. | Photo by @jonlaurenzo

Start a court(ship)

Love, all. Your love life could be missing some sporty spice, so join Lakeland’s sports culture to meet other fans + athletes. It worked for @natalie_maye_, who said, “I met my boyfriend at Woodlake Park. We were both there playing pickleball and our first date was at Bonnet Springs.”

You can follow Natalie’s lead by playing a pickleball match, getting your steps in with running/walking clubs, or joining a local gym. If you’re more of a spectator than a player, there are also many ways to watch your favorite teams: think supporting from sports bars, repping college + high school teams, or going pro.

Pickup line: “I’m ready to lift the weight of this relationship — just let me stretch first.”

Get on the floor — maybe even literally — to dance with friends at LKLD Lindy Hop's classes + socials. | Photo by @lkldlindyhop

Follow the beat of your heart

Nothing brings people together like good music. If you have musical talent, consider auditioning to play in the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra or perform in a musical at Lakeland Community Theatre. Music lovers will also find connection by catching a performance by a homegrown artist at Lakeland’s live music venues.

If you’re looking for a dance partner, check out classes at LKLD Lindy Hop, where @khiemosabi said, “Haven’t made a love connection (yet) but definitely have made an amazing group of friends.” You can also cut a rug at the City of Lakeland’s many dance classes, whether you’re into ballroom or belly dancing.

Pickup line: “Looks like we both need a partner. Can I have this dance?”

We're already dizzy with excitement. | Photo by @jkhokhar1

Get social

Stop googling “friends near me” and join a local Facebook group instead. There are endless options for every interest or stage of life. Check out the Lakeland Moms Group to connect with other parents, the Atrevete Network group for Latina women and entrepreneurs, or Lakeland Foodies to find the best new restaurants to try.

Outside of Facebook, there’s also Meetup, a website where you can connect with other locals and (you guessed it) meet up together around town. There are groups like Lakeland Hangouts (20’s & 30’s) + Adventure Group in Lakeland which meet up often for dinners, movie screenings, and trivia nights.

The Sorosis building hosts everything from weddings to baby showers and birthday parties. | Photo provided by Junior League of Greater Lakeland

Once you meet someone you like, the real fun begins. Use our date night guide + bookmark our curated calendar of local events to plan your next outing with new friends or the perfect first date. We're invited to the wedding, right?