The easiest way is probably through a hobby, in the widest sense. Be it a Science Fiction club, a HN meetup, a charity that helps connect disadvantaged high school kids with technology and programming, toastmasters international or some political activism. Basically any thing that involves meeting other people, and, as a filter, requires a certain minimum level of commitment and getting-off-your-ass.
If you are in Germany or Britain, I can give you more concrete pointers.
