Friendly Together is revolutionizing connection by offering curated in-person experiences to combat loneliness in modern urban life.
Loneliness is a silent epidemic that’s grown especially acute in cities where connection is often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Despite living in bustling environments, many adults feel isolated and disconnected, yearning for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Friendly Together, a platform created in New York City, is stepping in to solve this problem, offering a solution that brings people together not through screens, but through shared real-life experiences.
A Personal Mission Driven by Research and Experience
The heart of Friendly Together lies in the journey of its founder, Ana Gonzalez Galindo. Ana’s story is one of resilience and empathy. Arriving in the U.S. while pregnant, she quickly found herself navigating motherhood without a solid support network. Feeling disconnected and isolated, Ana recognized a profound societal need: adults yearn for authentic, community-based connections that transcend virtual interactions.
With a deep interest in human connection, Ana channeled her research from Stanford University, where she earned her MBA, into building Friendly Together. Her research focused on loneliness, cultural connection, and the psychology of belonging insights that would shape the platform’s unique approach to community-building.
The Platform Designed to Foster Real-Life Connections
Unlike other social platforms that focus on virtual matches or messaging, Friendly Together is designed for real-life engagement. The platform creates curated, in-person experiences ranging from cooking classes and workshops to social gatherings and family events that encourage participants to meet, connect, and form meaningful bonds naturally.
What sets Friendly Together apart is its commitment to inclusivity. It isn’t just about singles trying to find their next date; it serves individuals, couples, and families, fostering a multi-generational ecosystem of community. Whether you’re new to the city, a couple seeking connection, or a family looking for a group of like-minded people, Friendly Together is a space for everyone.
A Thoughtful Approach to Tackling Loneliness
In a world where many social platforms are designed to keep users online, Friendly Together takes a bold stand by offering experiences that prioritize face-to-face interaction. The platform doesn’t just suggest generic social events; it uses behavioral science to craft intimate gatherings that feel genuine, comfortable, and inviting.
“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful real, in-person connections can be,” says Ana. “Loneliness survives in silence. The moment people feel safe enough to show up as themselves, everything changes that’s the world we’re building at Friendly.”
With its focus on high-quality local events and partnerships with top NYC creators, chefs, studios, and makers, Friendly Together creates an atmosphere that is both comfortable and enriching. Whether it’s a cooking class with a local chef or a creative workshop at a neighborhood studio, these experiences allow people to form friendships without the awkwardness or pressure that often comes with traditional social apps.
Making an Impact: A Growing Community
Since its launch, Friendly Together has experienced early traction, gathering hundreds of New Yorkers who are looking for more than just a casual connection. The platform’s events have earned praise for their intentionality, the quality of the experiences, and the welcoming nature of the gatherings. Early participants have not only formed lasting friendships but have also found a sense of belonging in a city that often feels impersonal.
Friendly Together’s success is driven by its strong network of local partners, each contributing to the platform’s vision by hosting events that feel more like community-building moments than a forced social experience. This partnership-based model ensures that every event is unique and offers something that resonates deeply with attendees.
Award Recognition: Best Social App for Making Friends in NYC (2025)
Friendly Together has recently been recognized as the “Best Social App for Making Friends in New York City of 2025”. This prestigious honor was awarded by EvergreenAwards.com, a renowned authority in the industry. The recognition is a testament to the platform’s innovative approach and its commitment to creating meaningful, real-world connections for New Yorkers. This achievement highlights Friendly Together’s growing influence and its role in reshaping how people connect in the city.
Learn more about the award here.
Why People Should Care: The Need for Real Connection
In an age where online socializing is pervasive, it’s easy to forget the power of face-to-face connection. But as studies continue to show, loneliness is a public health issue, contributing to stress, depression, and even premature death. Friendly Together’s solution is not just about meeting new people; it’s about creating a genuine space for people to belong.
For Ana and her team, Friendly Together is about much more than business; it’s about social change. The platform is aiming to reshape how people view community-building in modern cities, offering a hopeful alternative to the isolation that has become all too common. With its mission rooted in behavioral science and a commitment to solving a real human need, Friendly Together is positioned to become the go-to platform for off-screen connection in urban life.
A Vision for the Future
As Friendly Together expands its calendar of events and grows its network of service providers, the platform’s vision remains the same: to make real-life connection simple, accessible, and meaningful. The company’s success in New York City is just the beginning. With plans to expand and offer more tailored experiences in other major cities, Friendly Together is poised to transform the way people experience community.
For anyone who has ever felt the sting of loneliness, Friendly Together is a beacon of hope offering a space where people can meet, connect, and truly feel at home.
Take the First Step Toward Building Your Community
If you’re ready to experience connection in a new, intentional way, visit Friendly Together’s website today and explore the platform’s curated events. Whether you’re in New York City or beyond, it’s time to put down your phone and show up for real-life connection.
