Let’s face it – the hardest part of moving is meeting new people! At least that’s my humble opinion after moving twice in the past few years. Meeting – and becoming friends – with people as an adult is just so much harder than I expected.
If you’ve lived in one state or city your whole life you’ve probably never experienced moving somewhere and knowing NO ONE. Let me tell you, it’s hard! Obviously I know my husband and we’re here together, but you can’t only have one friend or social buddy. But the benefit of moving to a new place is you get to start over and re-create your interests, hobbies, and how you spend your time – so many options!
Even if you’re an introvert, or like to be at home, you have to interact with other humans once and a while 🙂 So today I wanted to talk about some tips and ideas to help you meet people and form friendships in a new city!
Join Groups
Do you like biking? Find your local cycling club! Enjoy photography? There has to be a club or group with other local photographers. You will have more luck making friends by finding people with the same hobbies and interests. I say find as many groups or societies that look interesting, try them out, and see what you like!
Say Yes
So you joined a group, and the group is going out on Saturday night. If you’re like me, you’d probably want to stay home and chill. But the goal is to MEET people and make friends, so say yes and go! Obviously don’t do something dangerous or that you really hate, but push yourself to get outside your routine and meet people. Just going that one time could create lasting friendships!
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
Ok so this is fairly similar to my point above – but what I mean to say is that you won’t make new friends sitting at home. I know that for a fact! You don’t meet people working from home and never leaving your home office! It might be awkward to show up at a bar and barely know people, but it will get easier. Plus everyone will be curious to know where you’re from, why you moved = instant conversation topics! Don’t be nervous to text people you’ve met and ask if they want to hang. People aren’t offended by friendliness! (I have to tell this to myself, I always feel horrible imposing on people…..) Also, if someone is busy once, don’t stop asking. They could honestly be busy and that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be your friend.
Get Social Where You Are
Are you going into an office in your new city? Well see what social events are happening with your coworkers! My office seems to be very social and I’ve already joined the “Friday Breakfast Club” and expressed interest in a few other things. It’s nice to meet and form friendships with more people in the office through these things.
Moving is stressful, exhausting, and then you end up somewhere new and overwhelming. I’m not saying you’ll make tons of friends overnight or have an instant bond. Trust me, you aren’t going to be friends with everyone you meet! You will know who you have a connection with and who you don’t. But the key to meeting people is getting out there and finding those people! The uncomfortable situations are worth it when you find those friends!
