Moving to London, she tried hobbies she expected to hate and found new friends

After moving to London and falling into a work-and-commute routine, a writer decided to test whether tastes are fixed by deliberately trying activities she had always dismissed, and found social connection and a sense of escape. Accustomed to saying no to things that “weren’t my thing,” she began by accepting a friend’s book-club invite despite long-standing dislike of reading and dyslexia.

She listened to the first book as an audiobook, enjoyed the discussion and the company, then challenged herself to read the physical book on her commute and now reads in the mornings instead of scrolling. She went on to try jazz clubs, spoken-word nights, line dancing and contemporary performance, sometimes finding the experiences awkward or bewildering at first but increasingly engaged.

Running clubs felt intimidating until shared activity made conversation easier. At her local library’s chess club she says she was easily 30 years younger than everyone else, yet found cross-generational conversation and new chess moves, and a stronger connection than at organised events for people her age.

Research published last year suggests that engaging curiosity in new activities can help protect against age-related cognitive decline and support long-term brain health. Putting “try something new” in her diary once a week broke the work-commute-collapse cycle and led to unexpected recommendations and friendships.

Key Topics

Culture, Book Club, London, Chess Club, Library, Jazz Club