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Find Friends in Duarte

Where two strangers meet over coffee

Welcome to the Duarte community! Here you can discover and connect with people in your area who share your interests and values.

Duarte is part of our Greater Los Angeles service area, where we help bring local communities together.

Nawusijia

She / Her

Irvine, CA

Nawusijia's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Figuring out how to be an adult. I'm 35 years old, have a good career, and have many friends (although they are mostly far away!). But other than these, I feel like I'm just figuring life out.
How's your life?
I'm happy with my life. It's primarily peaceful. I like the routine of working, gym time, and home. Work makes it exciting. When I travel, I get to go on adventures.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Workout, right now I'm going rock climbing regularly. I like watching TV shows and going out to restaurants.
What is most important to you right now?
My career. It's my passion, and I want to do my best. I also want to figure out how to better adult. How to be more financially responsible, how to eat healthier, etc.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I'm trying to watch more movies and get back to reading. I'm also learning about meditation and mindfulness.
SunlitNomad
Just dm you. What type of books would you like to read. I just finished Slade house by David Mitchell. Nice and super fun read
LostInBoba
I’ve been trying to get into meditation and it’s quite difficult to calm the chatter in my mind. The app Calm has a 30 day challenge that really helps! Turning mid 30s is really kicking my butt into high gear about being better overall.

Chillybee

He / Him

Oxnard, CA

Chillybee's photo

This is a typical afternoon in our world.

Where are you at in your life stage?
I am married to my lovely wife. We have 3 kids, a 4 year old and 2 year old twins. Both of us work too much for too little money but we are settling into being a family and just trying to find friends to join in our journey through life.
How's your life?
It's mostly great. I like my job and am working to getting further in my career. My kids drive me crazy but I wouldn't change it for the world. My spouse is super supportive of my. We are working together to make healthier life choices for our bodies and our wallets.
What helps you keep your sanity?
I have started 3d resin printing and painting the models and it's so peaceful. I also listen to audio books (typically different nonfiction / fantasy genres). And I really enjoy doing yard work, growing something fun, and keeping it clean and tidy for our kids to play in
What is most important to you right now?
My family. While I love my quiet time I love spending all the time I can with my kids and wife. We work too much to not spend time together whenever we can. And I work as much as I dare to make sure they get what they need!
Anything you recently found interesting?
I just started 3d printing and even newer to painting. I never thought I would have any artistic ability but I am not half bad at the painting!

Vivio

She / Her

Irvine, CA

Vivio's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Living the SINK life: single income no kids. :) Very happily in a LDR though it means I feel more single than coupled on a day-to-day basis. Pretty happy with my work as well; it keeps me busy and I don't hate it. I work remotely (amazing commute from the bed to the desk!) and sooommmeettimmmeesss.... I wish I had an office to go into. I miss having random conversations in the kitchen or taking walks for morning coffee or to refresh in the afternoon.
Socially I'm looking to get out there a bit more. Right now probably just looking for some casual friends to spend some time and/or try new experiences with. (If we become besties super cool! If not no pressure. I've learned everyone's path goes their own way and just enjoy the time together.)
How's your life?
Life is going okay. Work is interesting but not keeping me fully occupied so I'm looking for some more! Recently-ish (everything is only 3 months in this post-covid world! or maybe I'm just growing old...) moved down from the Bay Area to be closer to family but I unfortunately left all my friends behind. Plus I'm a homebody and an introvert so it's been hard to make friends. I swing between being lonely and wanting to be ALL THE SOCIALS and being content rolling around the couch. (Couch potatoes unite!)
What helps you keep your sanity?
Playing games and drinking boba! I play one computer game (guildwars 2) and I just turn my brain off as I mindlessly hit buttons. Sometimes I even accomplish something! Otherwise I'm fortunate to have some close friends who will listen to me blah blah blah when things are getting too much. They laugh at my misfortunes; I get emotional release: wins all around! (Don't worry! I won't blah blah on you until we're good friends! I'm an introvert until we're good friends.. then it's hard to shut me up. >:) )
Also boba. When things are good: celebrate with boba. When things are bad: cheer up by drinking boba! Boba solves all. (Welcoming all boba recommendations! I tend to prefer the simple: milk tea or fruit tea and boba.)
What is most important to you right now?
Enjoying my life! I hope to have a family in the future but children are a BIG responsibility. I'll just enjoy my freedom now while I still can! Also looking to set down more roots in OC and make some friends. It'd be great to hang out once every 2-3 weeks and do something new/interesting/fun. (Or we could.. just grab some boba, chit chat, and go for walks? I could probably swing that once a week... I have a very limited social meter that just got shorter over the pandemic!)
Oh.. and maybe becoming more healthy.... maybe... can someone please gift me some motivation? :(
Anything you recently found interesting?
Escape Games: I know they've been around forever but they're reallllyyy so fun! I'm always down for an escape game.
More a shower thought but: The nicer the house/apartment/etc. the more people tend to stay at home and thus build less connections. In contrast if your house/apartment sucks you just always want to go out and then you meet more people! Such a weird aftereffect of prosperity??
mugeunji
Recently went to a very nice Vietnamese-owned boba shop called Mirakuru! They’re always changing up the interior decorations & their custom boba cup sleeves~ Plus, their sweetness levels feel actually accurate (not super sweet). Highly recommend :)
itsjp
Hey girly! I'm not a fan of boba but I get the drinks without boba, lol. I'd love to grab a drink sometime together and go for a hike/walk if you're interested :-)

SunflowerSoul

She / Her

Costa Mesa, CA

SunflowerSoul's photo

I keep a photo album of favorite trees I come across so I can imagine I’m sitting under them.

Where are you at in your life stage?
34f. I'm at a stage where I'm constantly growing and evolving. As a single mom of two and someone passionate about my job in public service, I'm focused on becoming the best version of myself. I'm learning to balance work, motherhood, and personal development while taking my health and well-being more seriously.
How's your life?
Life is busy, but I'm handling it. Between work, managing the household, and being a mom, it can get overwhelming, but I'm dedicated to staying productive and finding ways to improve. I'm eating well, getting enough sleep, and focusing on my health. I’m also trying to make time for creative outlets, even though it can be tough with my schedule.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Yoga, nature walks, and exercise help me stay grounded. I also love diving into graphic novels or dark fiction. Taking care of my health and making more time for art has been my priority recently.
What is most important to you right now?
Right now, my kids, my job, and my personal growth are at the forefront. I'm committed to improving my health, being more productive, and finding positive environments where I can thrive and possibly make friends. Expanding my horizons and learning new things are also really important to me.
Anything you recently found interesting?
I’ve recently been really interested in exploring my area more and finding fun, free resources for creative outlets. I’ve lived here all my life, but there’s still so much I haven’t experienced, and I’m excited to try new things and get back into artistic hobbies.
BalancedLemongrass1
Wow you have a lot on your plate, keep up the amazing work you’re doing!
BalancedLemongrass1
Isn’t it amazing? It’s such a lost art form these days. Words have the power to convey so much and offer a glimpse into someone’s deepest soul

lowlyworm

She / Her

Los Angeles, CA

lowlyworm's photo

I went to a 35mm showing of Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity <333

Where are you at in your life stage?
I’m a 20 y/o undergraduate student studying psychology in Los Angeles! I’m a SoCal native but I haven’t explored as much of LA as I’d like to—I’d like to change that and make a friend or two in the process!
How's your life?
Just trying to balance school, internships, and finding time to meet people from all walks of life :)
What helps you keep your sanity?
Creating (I illustrate/design sometimes!), reading (memoirs, fantasy, mystery), and watching every movie under the sun at any local LA theaters (favorites: Princess Mononoke, Tampopo, Ocean’s Eleven).
I also loveee walking and traveling around LA when I have the time and resources to do so (I tend go alone via my college transit pass lol).
What is most important to you right now?
Being secure in who I am! Whether that be through career development, helping my community, or making closer connections with my friends (and potential friends!)—I just want to put myself out there more often, especially as an infp :,)
Anything you recently found interesting?
Not sure what to say here…but you should stream this song (it’s one of my favorites! the character as well 🐈‍⬛): https://open.spotify.com/track/6VTnxajMD15WSIkbrtpw7e?si=qggEvJmoRNCc526KkNE76g
lowlyworm
@grateful1 I plan to do communications for creative industries, with a focus on working directly with communities that need it most :) so I’m looking into working with nonprofits and public arts sectors!
fuzz
Traversing LA by metro is so fun and rewarding There is always something new to discover, What are you reading?

CheeseisGood

He / Him

Mission Viejo, CA

CheeseisGood's photo

Bask in the morning sun and tell me what you feel

Where are you at in your life stage?
Medium load capacity, colors, delicate care, warm- if my life settings were a washing machine
Like a washing machine, I feel like my life kinda runs in cycles. Currently on an upswing - new job, supportive family, happy to take on new challenges, hobbies, and skills
I'm 28, I've done some things and I've laid some roots, but I still feel young. Been thinking a lot lately about intentionally being a more positive force in the world. If everyone adds more positive energy than negative, I think we'll all be a bit happier.
How's your life?
Hey I can't complain. I have the best friends in the world - and I truly mean that. They're not the coolest people or the smartest or the sexiest or the most successful, but we'd go to hell and back for each other, and knowing that gives me joy every day. My mom is a one of one with unlimited love and support, and I just found a job that doesn't make me pull my hair out.
What helps you keep your sanity?
Trying new food in interesting places is my lifelong happy place. Other than that I play tennis, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, with an occasional hike thrown in. I write and reflect and listen to music in my alone time. When I'm with friends, we can always bust out a board game or a show - sometimes I think I'm overly sane by the amount of possibilities I enjoy.
What is most important to you right now?
People. People matter. Like Really. I love experiences, and in my 20's I've really gone away from physical possessions. But none of that really matters because with the right people, the walls suddenly seem thinner, the obstacles a little smaller. Mundane life pops with a little more color, and adventures become memories.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Taskmaster is the best thing on the internet. They upload every episode on YouTube outside the UK and its just a wholesome show of good people having a blast on TV, making each other laugh and I laugh along with them.
itsjp
You have such a warm, grounded outlook—it’s amazing how much you value people and presence over possessions. I love how full your life sounds with connection, curiosity, and joy. I would love to grab coffee to get to know each other. Unfortunately, I ran out of credits but if you’re interested, shoot me a message, and we can exchange contacts.
CheeseisGood
@itsjp Aww thank you for your kind words. Don’t worry, my credits overfloweth. I’ll shoot you a coffee

BobbleBirb

She / Her

Irvine, CA

BobbleBirb's photo
Where are you at in your life stage?
Mid 30s, in a currently DINKWAD household. I moved back to Irvine to be closer to family after almost a decade and a half in San Diego. This move happened during COVID, following a switch to a WFH job. There’s still a general sense of awkwardness, of not feeling fully settled, yet, despite being in my current home for almost a year. After having a full and strong community of friends in SD, I now find myself in a “new” city with only a couple friends nearby and a challenge to make more. My mid-year resolution is to make a greater effort to meet new people and to get back into old hobbies (art, reading, and fitness).
How's your life?
A recent quote I heard is to not question the good in your life but to accept it, and in general, I try to practice gratitude everyday. So while I have goals to strengthen parts of my life, overall, it’s pretty good!
What helps you keep your sanity?
Working out (HIIT, strength training, dance, yoga, rock climbing, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc; I like to try it all.. even though I may not be very good at it..), catching up with friends, time with family, meditation, cooking, and taking my golden retriever puppy (he’s almost 2 yrs but forever my big baby) to new, fun places.
What is most important to you right now?
Rebuilding my community in a new area and living my life with more balance and presence.
Anything you recently found interesting?
Around 4 months ago, I started getting into Formula 1 and learned there is a lot more strategy, physicality, and drama than just people in helmets going zoom zoom around a track. Thanks to Netflix Drive to Survive, I will be attending the Grand Prix race in Austin this October!
BobbleBirb
@Toscano Haha my husband is definitely way more into F1. It's hard staying up to watch some of those races. I haven't done any of those 3 activities in a while but always down to do something fun over the weekend! And thanks for the movie recommendations! Old Boy has been on my list a long time, and I haven’t heard of Dark Waters. I remember Requiem for a Dream making me feel depressed, but it was a good film haha
SunlitNomad
How was the race? I am also in Irvine if you would like to connect. I just dm you