Moving to a city, especially on your own, can be one of the most difficult challenges that you may face. Even if you move with your partner, you still feel the loss of having a friend circle, and it can be tough to try to meet new friends. However, you don’t have to despair in your loneliness! There are some ways to get out there and start meeting people. Happiness expert and author Gretchen Rubin has compiled some helpful ideas when trying to make friends in a new environment.
Join (Or Start!) A Group
Rubin suggests joining an organization or even starting one yourself that involves something you are truly passionate about. The possibilities are endless, she says: “It could be a book club or a podcast club or a Real Housewives club.” Her suggestion is to think outside the box. For example, a book club that invovles reading a book a month may be too much of a commitment for people. She cites one example of a friend she knew that was part of a s “Serial on cereal” group, which met and enjoyed cereal while discussing the latest episode of the Serial podcast.
Bumble BFF
Expanding outside of the dating realm, Bumble has a feature that allows users to meet friends in their area. This way you can find other people in your zone that are looking to make new friends. You can bond over shared interests or try out new things together.
Make A Co-Worker A Friend
Rubin shared that research shows that people who have a close friend at work tend to be happier. To do this, suggest grabbing lunch or coffee with a co-worker that you think may be a good friend match. Perhaps you can find an outside-of-work hobby that you can both enjoy together.
Stick To A Routine
According to Rubin, if you form a routine you can turn acquaintances to friends just from seeing them on a regular basis. Many people tend to return to the same coffee shop or gym at around the same time every day, and you can meet people with similar interests and befriend them. She says: “Research shows we tend to like people more the more we see them. So try to make friends with someone at your morning yoga or spin class. Or someone you always see at the dog park. When you’re out, look around and see if there’s anyone you could connect with.”