5 Real Friendships That Started at a Friendzone Event
One of the most common questions we get is: "do people actually make friends at your events?” Here are 5 real stories from our participants — how they met, how they stayed in touch, and what their friendships look like today. 👇
Thinking of joining us? Check out our upcoming events here! 💗
From one online event to a whole climbing community — by Keiji 🧗
I went from a hesitant beginner to a proper climber, with a community I genuinely belong to.
The pandemic had thrown a wrench into everything, including social gatherings. So when I stumbled upon Friendzone's "Wrapped 2021" online event, I was intrigued — the idea of reflecting on the year with others felt oddly comforting.
I was placed in a small group with a couple of strangers, Nazs and Kim, and surprisingly, Grace, the co-founder! We spent the next hour sharing our triumphs, regrets, and all the messy adulting bits. The conversation flowed easily. We laughed, commiserated, and even shared some embarrassing stories. It was refreshing to find common ground with people I'd never met before.
Then Grace suggested we go rock climbing. I was hesitant, but something about the camaraderie we'd built in that one hour gave me the courage to say yes. The adrenaline rush was exhilarating, the sense of accomplishment real, and I was hooked.
Looking back, the skills I picked up through Friendzone — active listening, genuine curiosity, the courage to share — turned out to be exactly what I needed to navigate a new social environment. I'm grateful for the unexpected turn my life took because of that one online event.
From dinner after an event to a comedy show (and almost peeing their pants) — by Izzati 😂
I'm so glad to have met Ellaine and found friendship in such a lovely human being!
Ellaine and I met through a neighbourhood event and were at the same table. We bonded over the same anime genres and Ghibli movies — Ellaine is just so bubbly! A few weeks after the event, our whole table went for dinner together. Ellaine and I even bumped into each other on the bus once and got to catch up for a bit.
Recently, I had an extra ticket to a comedy show and noticed Ellaine had liked the comedian's post, so I reached out. We went together and laughed so hard we literally almost peed our pants HAHAHA.
From a first Friendzone event to JB day trips and zine projects — by Joelle ✨
My favourite memory is our JB trip — spending two hours in a café doing watercolour and reading zines. Just a super chill, really comforting day.
I attended a Friendzone event held at my university — my very first one — and ended up having dinner with people who lived in my neighbourhood. I didn't expect to still be in contact six months later, but we've already hung out more than five times. We're all foodies, so we're always hunting for good food together — I brought them to my favourite Vietnamese spot and they brought me to their favourite Korean place.
Over time, we've grown comfortable enough to share our worries and everyday lives with each other. Two of them introduced me to their wider friend group, where I met Jordan, a fellow creative who's into photography. We've gone on photowalks together, he’s helped me figure out which camera to get, and we're currently working on a zine project . He's been a huge part of my creative journey.
Beyond food, we've also been to creative events like the Singapore Art Book Fair and School of Tomorrow — I'm so glad to finally have people to go to these things with.
From an Instagram ad to hosting friends in KL — by Zheng Hao 🌏
What I love most about this friendship is how much I'm learning — to be vulnerable, to connect with myself emotionally, to love, to live.
I saw an Instagram ad for a Friendzone event two years ago and decided to join. Last month, I hosted two of the friends I made at that event in my hometown, KL.
Amelia and Gwyneth are kind, intelligent people whose views on life resonate deeply with mine. We meet up regularly to catch up and do things together — volunteering, visiting Sungei Buloh, hosting each other at home and just talking about life. And it doesn't stop at meetups; we dm each other things we find interesting and support each other through relationships, work, and everything in between.
They study and reflect on emotions deeply, and that's rubbed off on me. Once, when I had a falling out with a friend and was really upset, my first instinct was to reach out to them. They were so supportive and empathetic that I felt better almost immediately, and the messages of support kept coming for weeks after.
I love this friendship, and I'm grateful we found each other through Friendzone. 💗
From strangers at Chomp Chomp to friends who feel like home — by Gwyneth 🌕
As the trip came to a close, the last full moon of the year shone brightly above us, its radiant glow mirroring the fullness in my heart.
For years I've enjoyed couchsurfing — staying with strangers who open their homes and their minds, building meaningful connections right from the get-go. When I joined Friendzone, I unknowingly sought something similar, but more grounded and local. Fortunately, I found that with Farmer and Amelia.
Our first meetup after the event was at Chomp Chomp Food Centre. Over sambal stingray and sugarcane juice, we talked philosophy and the meaning of life — not in some distant, theoretical way, but grounded, personal, and deeply reflective. I knew then that I'd found something real.
Over the past two years, we've visited each other's homes, met one another's friends, explored Sungei Buloh, volunteered together, and shared books, thoughts, feelings, and learnings as we navigate life. Our friendship is fresh air in a quiet grove — safe, inviting, and spacious.
Last December, I couchsurfed again — but this time it was us three, staying in the home where Farmer grew up in Kuala Lumpur. The trip was especially healing; I'd been grappling with a confusing interpersonal situation, and Farmer and Amelia, with their kindness and patience, helped me untangle my thoughts. From hiking Ketumbar Hill to browsing bookstores, dim sum to cosy coffee runs, every moment felt joyful and rewarding.
Want to make friends like these?
If you're thinking about coming to a Friendzone event but aren't sure what to expect, read up on how our events work(spoiler: even introverts love it). And if you need a little push to get started, we've got 5 practical tips for putting yourself out there too.
We'd love to see you at our next event — check out what's coming up here! 💗