Moving someplace new can be a difficult life transition for a lot of people. You have moved somewhere completely new, you do not know the area all that well, and stick to traveling to the roads or sidewalks which you recognize for fear of getting lost – and you definitely do not feel ready to explore your new neighborhood just yet. Back in your old town, or old house, you knew everything there was to know about the area. You knew the different characters, you knew the best stores to shop at, you knew the best places to go to eat or drink, and you had lots of friends and acquaintances there who you would see on a regular basis.
Change, though, can be a good decision in life. Everyone needs to change some aspect of their life at some point, whether that be through a relationship, a job, children, pets, or even moving house. After all the hard work is done – selling your old home, putting the right finances in place, moving all your furniture and belongings to your new home – you then have to add touches to your new home to make it look just as you want it. Whether that is by adding a conservatory, redecorating rooms, putting in a deck railing installation, revamping the garden or putting new furniture in your home.
When you have moved to a new area, one of the most difficult aspects (after your home has been sorted out) is meeting new people and making new friends. After all, you knew a lot of people in your old neighborhood and didn’t have to make new friends – but in new surroundings, it is essential that you get to know people and have a base of friends, both for your wellbeing and comfort.
A good way to meet friends is to join local groups who share the same or similar interest to you. You will find that joining local groups is an easy, laidback and relaxed way of making friends. Say, for example, if you hold an interest in creative writing. When you decide to join a writing group, having the opportunity to discuss your work or your favorite writers provides an instant outlet for conversation – meaning you won’t have to try really hard to get to know people and can converse with strangers while feeling relaxed and content.
Joining a gym can also be a great way to meet new friends, and you will also end up recognizing familiar faces each time you visit the gym. Working out is a great way to start conversations; simply by asking someone the best way to deadlift or squat can lead to further conversations and before you know it you will have a gym buddy and maybe even – in time – a close friend.
It is important to get out and about, and meet new people, once you’ve moved into a new area. New friends will not only broaden your horizons, but you will also learn and acknowledge things which you did not have an interest in before.
Tom Ridges
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
Hi Kelly, Thanks for this, some good tips.