How to Make Friends after Moving

Tips for Meeting People in a New City

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, relocating can be traumatic for adults as well as children, especially when it comes to leaving behind old friends and trying to make new ones.

You don't know anybody and all of a sudden, you're like that gawky, gangly adolescent you used to be at the high school dance waiting for someone to ask you to dance.

Rather than be a wallflower with only your cat to keep you company, there are several things you can do to jump start your social life that don't include wearing a name tag or begging, "Won't you please be my friend?"

Tips for Meeting People

There are a variety of different things you can do to become a social butterfly in your new neighbourhood:

• Find a cafe where you feel comfortable, become a regular, and visit at different times. Moms may stop in for a latte after dropping their kids off at school; singles may be more likely to drift in after work.
• Walk around your new neighborhood and smile at people. Smiles may turn into a hello and then conversation. If somebody makes you uncomfortable, don't be discouraged; keep walking and smiling. A dog is a conversation magnet, a cat not so much.
• Like photography/art/pilates? Look for classes/sessions held in your immediate area. Join a book club. If you have a particular skill, sign up to teach at a community center or through continuing education. Teaching others your passion conveys confidence and confidence draws others in.
• Like spectator sports? Cheer on the minor league baseball team in your area.

Faking enthusiasm to win people over doesn't work in friendship or love, but if you think back to how you met friends in the past, you'll relax and start adding new entries to your address book.