In a recent New York Times op-ed, St. Louis transplant and author Curtis Sittenfeld writes that it’s difficult to find friends here until you have children. As a happy newcomer to St. Louis, without children, I beg to differ.

St. Louis has many wonderful opportunities to meet people and make friends.

Last month, I went to a Young Professionals event at the St. Louis Art Museum  where they taught us how to make outdoor hanging flower pots out of recycled and re-purposed household items. While I was openly reporting my inability to get the pot to hang upright, I also commented on how I loved a girl’s hair next to me. I didn’t know her, but we discussed how I couldn’t fish-tail braid and she taught me. I admit that sounds about as stereotypical as it comes, but it was a fun way to meet someone new. How did I find this opportunity? Online. And it was free.

There are also many different nonprofits around St. Louis and many of them have Young Professional Boards. Some request a more formal application and interview, but for many, you can email the nonprofit, say you are interested in supporting the cause, and boom! you have monthly meetings where you get to meet new people (and you already have something in common with them).

I have been fortunate enough to serve on the Young Friends Council at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  After each meeting, some of the members go to dinner. Sure, it’s a little awkward at first, but if you keep going, you start to see similar people and friendships develop.

Then there are the innovation labs that are popping up around downtown St. Louis that offer many new friend opportunities.

Take Lab 1500  for example. Lab 1500 allows anyone with a great idea to meet with other entrepreneurs. Together, they can work out business ideas, take workshops to enhance their business knowledge, and create a better foundation for themselves and their projects. It also provides space for people to set up their laptops, work in a communal environment, and have access to networking and educational events. And guess what?  The cost of living in St. Louis compared to the coasts is much more reasonable, so entrepreneurs can actually spend time on their great idea or innovation.

In reading Sittenfeld’s op-ed tale of a friendless life in St. Louis before having children, I found myself appreciating my own experience. While I have been fortunate to have the Olin community as a strong support system, I still disagree with the writer’s inability to find friends.

Finding new friends is never easy, especially if you have not had the experience of  since you were in Pre-K. It’s a combination of finding your interests, trying something new, and making a match with what St. Louis has to offer – all of which can be done in a quick Google search.

It can be intimidating, but in trying to find new friends, you also get to rediscover yourself.  And that might be the most rewarding experience of all.