20 TIPS FOR MAKING FRIENDS QUICKLY
When you move, remember you need friends more than others need your friendship. So you will need to initiate friendships instead of waiting for friends to come to you. Approaching new people can be daunting but you will find that most people are happy to help a newcomer. So don't let fear hold you back, you have more to gain than to lose. Also avoid making assumptions about anyone because assumptions can be incorrect in those early days. Follow these tips to make friends quickly:
In the neighborhood
1. Drop a card to the neighbors introducing yourself. Or be brave and knock on neighbors’ doors to introduce yourself by enquiring about such things as doctors, garbage pick up day or local grocery stores. Ask if you can have their contact numbers in case you have further questions.
2. Smile or wave whenever you see your neighbors or people in the neighborhood.
3. Once you are settled in a little, invite neighbors over for coffee, appetizers, dessert or even a potluck dinner. Don't wait until the house is perfect or it will never happen.
4. Go for a walk or a jog in the neighborhood or spend time in your front yard so you can meet neighbors.
5. Join local groups like Newcomers or Welcome Wagon for new people to the area.
6. Join a gym.
7. Join a local interest group through meetup.com (see favorite links).
8. Take a recreational or credit class at a local college.
9. Keep an open mind about friendships. Friendships can even develop with people who provided move-related services for you such as banking, insurance etc. Thank people who provided you with a great service by inviting them for lunch or dinner.
10. Visit local places like the park, library or tourist spots.
At Work or School
11. Smile at everyone you meet.
12. Make an effort to remember people’s names. Use visualizing techniques.
13. Introduce yourself to people and tell them that you are new. The first day start with one person, the next day increase that to two people and so on.
14. As an ice breaker, begin by talking about general things. Most people find it easy to talk about themselves, so ask how long they have lived here, what brought them here and also what places and things they would recommend in the local area. This can also tell you if you have anything in common.
15. At lunch, don’t sit alone. But walk up to people who look interesting, introduce yourself and tell them that you are new, then ask them if you can join them.
16. Ask for directions to go somewhere or for help to do something.
17. Help someone with something.
18. Volunteer on a committee or in a group.
19. If you can’t find paid work, volunteer locally. It might lead to a job and you will meet people who are like -minded.
20. Carry a small notepad/address book and pen or use your cell phone to take down people’s contact numbers. Writing down names will help you remember them.
Good luck!
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