10 Ways to Make Friends in a New City
Over the past couple of years, the United States has experienced an uptick of domestic migration, meaning a significant population movement among states. It's common to hear friends and family members are moving freely around the US especially since so many jobs have gone remote. When they arrive they are tasked with acclimating and finding a new tribe. Here are a few brilliant ways to make friends in your new city!
Walk your dog. If I know my fur parents, the first thing you do is explore where to walk, play and shop for your dog. Exploring the city with your bestie is a great way to meet new people as dogs are the perfect ambassadors! Who can resist man's best friend? Especially one with an adorable outfit! Seriously, pets can be the perfect introduction to a community of like minded people.
Group fitness anyone? Not only should you work out for your health and peace of mind, joining a group fitness class (say stand up paddle boarding, hiking, spin or hot yoga) often times turns into a team building, no man left behind experience by the end of the hour. Reflect on the effort and achievement after the class -- then go for a mimosa and social time together!
Join a Meetup or Facebook Group. Meetup.com, which has the mantra “Find your People", offers events for individuals with common interests internationally. Facebook Groups do a very good job at this as well. I went to an expat Meetup while traveling alone in London. It was a great experience! Have at least 5 interests in mind to search on their sites; for example; hiking, photography, film, museums, dancing…Also pay attention to the frequency of the events; usually groups with active calendars yield high attendance.
Bar people can be friendly. Even if you feel uncomfortable eating at a restaurant alone, venture out, sit at the bar and order your dinner – to go. It will look like you have more important things to do but hey, if an opportunity presents itself to continue chatting with your neighbor, perhaps you’ll stay and eat there!
Starbucks anyone? All the world does it! Grab your laptop and hunker down with a matcha latte at a cool or cozy cafe. Note, not all cafes are created equal, some are more social than others. Try one close to a beach or at least with comfy outdoor seating. People are more relaxed and tend to have time to socialize. Smile and make eye contact, someone WILL talk to you eventually.
Wear an interesting article of clothing or jewelry that could be a conversation starter. Boy, the stories that could come out of explaining you picked up that purse in your secret second hand store in Malibu!
Take a lesson. Maybe golf or even art? These classes are filled with people with a desire to be social just like you. Now the only challenge is to introduce yourself. Remember, smile!
Volunteer, attend community gatherings and get to know your neighbors. You will never be the only new person at these events. Introduce yourself with a smile and always remember the names of the people you meet.
Summon your old posse. Who better to explore your new town with than your old friends? Once you have unpacked and stocked your kitchen cabinets, invite two friends out for a weekend. Research your town and create a weekend agenda in advance so your team can plan the necessary wardrobe to pack. Don't forget to tag us at least one major brunch outing!
And of course, join Mimosa Militia. As we travel California and Colorado a common theme we hear is "I'm new to the state and it's hard to make friends." Mimosa Militia provides a positive environment and organizes brunches where other people like yourself are welcomed and encouraged to create friendships and professional connections with others in attendance. Join our VIP list to stay informed of upcoming brunch locations and dates!
Final quick tips:
- Be confident, make eye contact and smile
- If you say yes to an invite, make sure you show up
- Start one conversation a day to practice and learn the art of small talk
- Be a good listener
- No negative talk
- Don’t hide behind social media, get out and make friends!
- Maintaining friendships may seem like hard work but don’t give up