Camila Smith 🥉

Moved last year, remote too, and wow the pay-to-befriend vibes are gross. I won't touch subscriptions, so I leaned on the library maker space, Buy Nothing pickups, and a neighborhood tool-share to actually meet people while doing stuff. First week I posted in the local swap group to host a repair night in my apartment courtyard. Three strangers came to solder a busted lamp and we ended up scheduling a Saturday coffee walk. The trick is to suggest the next hang before you part and put a date on it, even if it's just 'bring leftovers, board games at my place on Wednesday.' Bars are loud and memberships bleed you, but free recurring projects glue people together.

Mostly, it's density, privacy expectations, and safety. Big cities often favor speed and minimal engagement, while smaller places reward brief acknowledgment. To calibrate quickly, watch a couple of interactions, mirror volume and spacing, open with a nod or neutral remark, and disengage if replies stay curt.

The trick is repeated contact in structured settings, not one-off hangs. Pick two recurring things and commit for 6 to 8 weeks. Good low cost options are the library book club, a parks and rec class, a weekly volunteer shift like food bank packing, a running or hiking group, board game night at a cafe, or a community garden workday. Show up a bit early, offer to help with setup or check-in, and sit in the same spot so you become a familiar face. Easy openers: "Hey, I'm new to town and checking this out, how does it work?" and "Mind if I join you for this round?" and "What brought you here?" and "Any favorite cheap eats nearby?" During the chat ask "Do you come most weeks?" then use a clear closer like "I had fun talking, are you up for swapping numbers so I can say hi before next week?" Follow up the next day with something specific like "Great to meet you at board games, want to hit the same night next Wednesday or try the Saturday session?" If you are unsure, own it and keep it light, and give them an easy out. Keep a simple routine of two evenings and one weekend slot, track names in your notes app, and aim for two new hello moments and one follow up each week. Safety wise meet in public places, arrange your own ride, share your plan with a friend, and trust your gut if something feels off. Being introverted is fine, choose structured and low stimulus options like book clubs, volunteering at the check-in table, museum docent training, or a language exchange where the format carries the talk. Coworkers can be a bridge too, try a lunchtime walk or invite a couple to a free event, then let overlap with your other groups do the heavy lifting.

I had the same headache. I cook chicken and veggies most nights and by month three the basket started shedding even with a soft sponge and no metal. I tried parchment liners and dialing back the heat and I was still picking flakes out of dinner. What finally fixed it was replacing the basket and changing a couple habits. I bought Air AF101,Accessories which fit snugly and the nonstick has held up once I stopped using aerosol oil sprays and I never soak it. The 4 quart size matches the original and the coating is a nonstick that cleans fast so I do not have to scrub. I let it cool a few minutes then wash by hand with warm suds dry right away and avoid long empty preheats. With those tweaks this one has lasted over a year on a tight budget and no more black specks.