How do you make friends out of strangers?

Striking up conversations with random strangers isn't too bad, but doing it in places like a gym is tricky at best. Even though there are gym rats who are there for the atmosphere, the majority of people are already extra self-conscious at a gym, so you're not going to go far opening up to people. For the record, talk in the locker room should be limited to already established friends. (heh)

Don't focus so much on the stranger part and get in the right atmosphere. Although bars and clubs are good choices, I really like coffee shops and music houses. People there are generally more laid-back and low-key, and no one just sits at a coffee house reading a book without being at least partially open to conversation, lest they hit the library.

Of course, make a lot more "acquaintances" in your classes. It's your best option.

Jam it back in, in the dark.