[ceras]

I have made good friends through work, including people I keep in touch with after changing jobs. Even if we don't keep in touch, I appreciate the transitory friendship for what it was. It's not like I keep up with most people from college either, but they were still my friends.

I could do those other things you say, but none nearly for as much time as the time I spend at work, so work friends come quite easily and naturally by comparison. Proximity has a big effect on making friends[0]. And I could do those activities you suggest in addition to getting to know people at work, because those other things happen off work hours. (Though realistically, I'm too old for parties and not single enough for hookups :))

Though, club thing has actually never worked for me. Those acquaintances end up feeling the most distant because we meet too infrequently. Probably requires a hobby you're really into so that you get more frequent exposure to one another (IIUC this makes CrossFit a good way to make friends).

[0] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_principle