As June unfolds in Atlanta, the quintessential Southern city pulses with an invitation for connection, creativity, and community engagement.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and social distancing, the importance of genuine human interaction cannot be overstated.
Especially for adults, the craving for friendship and a sense of belonging has never been more potent, as evidenced by the rise of innovative organizations and events catering to those in search of deeper connections.
Among these initiatives is WYZR, an app that reflects a thoughtful response to the loneliness epidemic impacting adults aged 30 and up.
Founded by Carolyn Kelly and Joy Taylor, WYZR first emerged from a conversation about tackling the loneliness felt by their fathers.
However, it soon became clear that the need for community was not limited to their parents.
Kelly, who relocated back to the U.S. after living abroad for 16 years, found herself in uncharted territory as an empty nester, while Taylor experienced the isolation that often comes with remote work post-pandemic.
As they explored ways to bridge the gap of isolation, they realized their target demographic wasn’t the elderly, but adults who were struggling with loneliness in their 30s through 60s.
After three years of grassroots beta testing, the WYZR app was officially launched in early 2024, designed as a platform for companionship rather than dating or professional networking.
Users can browse local events, organize carpools, post activity invitations, and connect based on shared interests like hiking, live music, or pickleball.
Moreover, the app incorporates safety features, including ID verification and a couples-seeking-friends option, ensuring that users can build connections in a secure environment.
Since its launch, WYZR has facilitated over 300,000 friendship connections nationally, with Atlanta emerging as one of the app’s most engaged regions.
Michael Fenn, a user in Atlanta, notes the ease with which he has met new friends through the app, describing it as a digital park bench where people can strike up conversations over shared interests.
Emphasizing the pressure-free nature of the experience, he captures the essence of WYZR: it’s about creating friendships, not just swiping on potential dates.
Parallel to WYZR’s success is In Common, a membership-based social club established by Alyssa Fagien in March 2024.
After documenting her adventures in Atlanta through an Instagram account called ATL Bucket List, Fagien frequently received inquiries from followers about how to make friends in the city.
Driven by this recurring question, she decided to create a structured platform for social interaction aimed at individuals aged 25 to 40.
In just the first two weeks of launching In Common, over 250 membership sign-ups were recorded, affirming the enthusiastic demand for community-building initiatives.
The impetus for In Common aligns with a growing trend in Atlanta.
Each month, members can participate in casual happy hours or smaller, activity-focused gatherings like cocktail classes or walks on the Beltline, broadening opportunities for connection based on shared interests.
The $144 annual membership fee grants access to at least 24 exclusive events, all designed to foster meaningful relationships among members.
Sebasstien Gomez, an In Common member, appreciates the diversity of backgrounds and experiences within the group, highlighting the joy of discovering new parts of the city while nurturing friendships.
ATLGirl Gang, established by Morgan Sandlin in 2017, has also emerged as a significant player in fostering connections for women in their 20s to 40s.
Moving from Florida to Atlanta at age 22, Sandlin found herself longing for the close-knit community she had enjoyed in college.
Initially created as a business-focused platform, ATL Girl Gang quickly recognized the desire for authentic social connections among its members.
Following their first public gathering, the focus shifted towards creating an environment where women could build friendships around shared lifestyles and interests.
Now flourishing with hundreds of annual members, ATL Girl Gang hosts diverse monthly events ranging from happy hours to flower-arranging classes, mostly at local restaurants to cultivate a low-pressure social atmosphere.
The recent restructuring of membership to a free model encourages more participation while charging an event fee of around $10 to $20.
A digital chat platform in the Circle app enhances community connectivity beyond events, allowing members to maintain friendships and discussions.
While many arrive solo, Sandlin emphasizes that new members seldom leave feeling alone, often forming bonds that celebrate significant life events together.
But WYZR, In Common, and ATL Girl Gang are just a few examples of the broader landscape of social clubs and organizations blossoming in Atlanta.
Other groups, such as the Atlanta Social Club, Hands On Atlanta, Southern Fried Queer Pride, and the Atlanta Black Tie Club, also contribute to fostering a sense of community in various ways, catering to diverse interests and identities.
For those looking to engage through sports, Atlanta offers a variety of recreational leagues, including JAM Sports Atlanta, GO Kickball, and the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association.
Furthermore, bookworms can find camaraderie through local book clubs and bookstores, such as A Cappella Books and The Lavender Bookshop, which focus on bringing individuals together over shared literary passions.
While these social initiatives provide valuable access points for friendship, mental health professionals remind us that authentic connections require conscious effort and self-reflection.
Dr. Grumet, a psychiatrist, offers insights into managing loneliness by urging individuals to explore their feelings and what they mean.
Loneliness can sometimes signal a need for social engagement, but it may also represent disconnection from oneself or existing relationships.
Reflective practices, like creating a list of images or feelings associated with loneliness, could provide insights into personal emotional needs.
For those seeking connection, Dr. Grumet advises starting with familiar activities, such as walking a pet in a popular park or attending art lectures that align with their passions.
He champions the development of skills for meaningful interactions, like listening and understanding, as a valuable means of enriching relationships and growing friendships.
Books like “Missing Each Other: How to Cultivate Meaningful Connections” serve as excellent resources for individuals eager to enhance their social skills.
Ultimately, forming deeper relationships might require exercising assertiveness and practicing clear communication, as advised in “When I Say No, I Feel Guilty” by Manuel Smith.
As we navigate our lives in Atlanta, we are reminded that exploring new events, activities, and social networks can profoundly influence our sense of community and well-being.
This June, let’s embrace the opportunities that await, not just for connection’s sake, but for the holistic wellness that comes from forging lasting friendships.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/2025/06/alone-in-atlanta-how-to-make-friends-and-not-alienate-people/
