Moving to a new town can be an exciting prospect, but leaving your friends behind, and trying to fit in with a new group of people, can be intimidating. Discovering the sights and experiencing the nightlife in a new town is always an adventure, but it’s not as enjoyable when you have no one to share in the exploration with you. Psychologist Bella DePaulo says that friendships usually have one thing in common: The best of friends meet “at a time that is emotionally consequential; they are experiencing the same big change in their lives.” Finding friends isn’t difficult if you’re willing to remain open to the possibilities, maintain optimism and be an approachable person.
Step 1
Go out and enjoy your new town. Find a local newspaper, and look in the lifestyle or community pages to locate events that satisfy your curiosity. Go to the art show, listen to the bands playing in the city center or hop on the city tour bus and have a look around the city with others who also may be new in town. Participate and engage in events and be ready mingle. The author of "The Happiness Project," Gretchen Rubin, says that you have to make the effort to see results or get to know people. She says, "whenever you have the chance to see other people, take it.” The more consistent you are about attending events, the more likely you are to see the same people and become acquainted with them.
Step 2
Join your new city’s social network. Go online, sign up at Meetup or Facebook, join the network for your city and find local groups that fit your lifestyle. No matter what your hobbies are, you are bound to find a group that meets your interests. Groups range anywhere from book clubs to adult soccer leagues. Many of the larger cities also have websites dedicated to bringing professionals together for events that are more elaborate. Professionals in the City offers dinner cruises, ski trips, cooking, sailing, bartending and diving lessons.
Step 3
Accept all social invitations from co-workers. Even though you may not find your new best friend at work, socializing within a large group of people can increase your chances of meeting you colleague's friends, as well, author Rubin says.
Step 4
Smile, because people are more likely to approach you and start a conversation if you’re smiling. "The amount of time you smile during a conversation has a direct effect on how friendly you’re perceived to be,” author Rubin says.
Tips and Warnings
- Be persistent. Don't give up after a few days because you haven't met any friends. The more you participate, the better your chances are of meeting other people.
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