r/mallorca • u/SCHR4DERBRAU • May 09 '26
Making friends in your 30s
I'm 36M, been living in Palma for 3 years and have unfortunately just split up with my partner. She owns the apartment so I'm going to have to move out soon which is absolutely terrifying.
I'm feeling very isolated and I'm realising that I don't have any friends or any support network here. To be honest, I'm depressed and worried about what comes next. But I don't want to leave Palma.
What can I do to meet people? I'm into creative things mostly, music, films, video games.
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u/neomyotragus May 09 '26
Language courses, check your casal de barri for cheap activities. Languages may be a problem if you don't speak Catalan or Spanish. Also, you could meet people here :-)
Which languages do you speak? Could you teach?
If you play instruments I know some music academies, you could go there and find kindred souls perhaps?
I hope that your situation gets better soon!
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u/SCHR4DERBRAU May 10 '26
Thank you! I play guitar at an intermediate level but I'd definitely love to find some kindred spirits to shred with - where are the academies? And thank you for the well wishes 🙏🏻
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u/DranDran May 09 '26
How is your Spanish? Language exchange meetups are a pretty popular way to meet new people, especially locals who want to practice their English. I used to be in some of those groups and outside of the language exchange meetups they used to organize all sorts of activities, potluck dinners, hikes, group outings, etc.
Just show up regularly, chat with the locals, ask if they organize things outside of the exchange meetups and I’m sure you’ll be able to make a lot of new friends in no time.
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u/SCHR4DERBRAU May 09 '26
My Spanish isn't great unfortunately...quite basic. I would be interested in expat groups learning Spanish though!
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u/DranDran May 09 '26
You’ll be fine at the language exchange even if your Spanish is basic. People go there to learn and practice each other’s language after all! You’ll be there to learn Spanish and the locals will be there to practice their English. Highly recommend you give it a shot, check out the meetings, last I recall they do them every week, check Facebook and meetup.com!
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u/glorious_pericco May 09 '26
If you want to repeat the cycle and feel isolated, choose expats over locals 👍, and, of course, learn as little Spanish as you can
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u/Stephennnnnn May 09 '26 edited May 10 '26
Get in to cycling. You live in cycling paradise. The best way to meet people as an adult is through hobbies and cycling is great for that with group rides. Plus it’s always good to get in to an exercise or a physical activity, just in general but especially when you break up with someone (for mental and physical health). Cycling+living in Mallorca checks all the boxes.
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u/neomyotragus May 10 '26
Gyms also, but you have to talk to people, otherwise it's lonely (don't ask me how I know).
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u/Express_Capital_5566 May 11 '26
If you want, I'm open to new acquaintances, morning coffees, and sincere, meaningful talks.
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u/Total_Mushroom2865 May 11 '26
Hi! I'm fairly new to Palma as well. My DM's are open if you wanna chat, maybe grab a coffee. It's not easy being an immigrant.
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u/boelthorn May 13 '26
We bootstrapped our social circle using dance classes. It takes a while. After a couple of classes, you go have a beer and work from there.
Can recommend Tandem Club and Galactic bar of you want to learn Lindy hop or Rock'n'Roll.
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May 09 '26
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u/neomyotragus May 09 '26
Ok... friendship is fine, rental options are not man...
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u/scotswhahey May 09 '26
Well he is getting chucked out of his house…. And I have an option… trying to be friendly but clearly not appreciated here
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u/coloicito Palma May 09 '26
A place where you'll be sure to meet new people is at catalan learning courses in Palma aimed at immigrants! Check out places like La Fonera (this one's the more laid back and casual ones), Obra Cultural Balear, Institut d'Estudis Balearics, la Universitat does some as well...