How to Make Friends in a New City
Making new friends can be challenging in the city you grew up in, let alone in a new city. People these days seem to have their faces buried in their iPads and smart phones instead of making eye contact or even friendly conversation with other human beings. If you're wondering how to succeed in the difficult feat that is making friends in a new city, use these pointers to get started.
Classes, Teams and Clubs
Joining a class, team or club might seem too easy…because it is. Thanks to the Internet you have access to information about teams, classes and clubs in your area that are open for enrollment. Making friends is easier when like-minded people surround you. Perhaps you're going to Paris for vacation and don't know a word of French; take a French class. You've always wanted to learn how to salsa dance; take a salsa class. There are clubs and activities for everyone, so pick the one, two or three that are right for you. Take note of the following places for making friends in a new city:
- Watson Adventures: Ideal for intellectuals who enjoy mind-bending scavenger hunts. Check out when the next public scavenger hunt in your city takes place.
- Home Repair Classes: Take a few free weekly workshops at your local Home Depot and learn about interior paint, hot to install a vanity faucet, and about fire safety. You'll pick up a friend or two while you're at it.
- Leashes and Lovers: This club was created for dog owners who seek friends and more serious relationships.
Old Friends Create New Ones
If you've ever gone through co-workers for leads or referrals for new jobs then you know how to make friends through friends. Contact some of your friends from your previous city and see if they know anyone in your new city. If so, have them introduce you through email or a social networking site like Facebook. Chances are, if your friend enjoys the company of the person, so will you.
Friends at Work
Potential friends are right under your nose, or at least in the cubicle next to you. You certainly don't have to become best friends with all of your co-workers, but being aware that they are potential friends will push you to get to know them better. You could host a dinner party or barbeque and invite your co-workers, letting them know they're free to invite a friend or spouse.
Meet-Up Sources
If you are single, Cosmopolitan says the best places to meet a guy include the Apple Store, the weight room in the gym, a fortune 500 or tech company, a political rally or campaign, a sports bar on Sunday or Monday night, a volleyball league, a rock-climbing center and a steak house. Of course there is the online route, which lots of people take advantage of in today's world. The most popular sites for making new friends include:
Online Safety Tips
Even though chatting with a stranger online is safer than meeting up with someone in person, online friendships come with a few warnings and safety tips as well.
- Get to know members before even considering meeting up with them in person.
- Arrange a phone conversation or two prior to scheduling an in-person meet up.
- Choose a safe public place to meet up with your new potential friends.
- Make it a group outing and invite other friends to join you and your new potential friend.
