As life goes on, friends and family may take out-of-state jobs or you may decide to relocate. Perhaps you’ve simply outgrown your current friendships or fell out-of-touch. In any case, remember that you’re not alone. Follow these tips and you’ll be making new friends before you know it.
Take Your Dog for a Walk. Some people may be shy to talk to someone they’ve never met but furry companions tend to be very approachable. Your dog can be the perfect conversation starter when meeting other dog owners, since you’ll have something in common right away. Taking a walk through the nearest local park can help you meet people even if you don’t have a dog. Try sticking to a regular schedule to better your chances of seeing some of the same people each time.
Volunteer in Your Community. Is there a cause you’d love to contribute to? Volunteering can be a great way to meet people in a low-stress environment. Keeping busy with your assigned duties may distract you from any feelings of social anxiety. Plus, everyone attending is there to support the same cause, so you’ll already have something to talk about. Take a look online or in local newspapers for opportunities that spark your interest.
Pursue Your Passions. Are you interested in photography? Sewing? Find local activities that suit your interests and try attending regularly. That could mean finding a book club, attending concerts, or going to classes. Just be sure to stick with it! The more you pursue your interests, the more likely you’ll meet new friends who share your passions. Don’t be afraid to try something different as well. You might learn something new about yourself.
Be Patient. Keep your chin up and remember that building relationships takes time. It may take numerous interactions between two people before they consider each other as friends. It can be helpful to talk with old friends as you develop new relationships. Try connecting digitally with friends that no longer live near you.
There are plenty of ways to meet new people. All it takes is a little courage to get out there. Explore your neighborhood, enjoy yourself, and find friendships along the way. For ideas on budget-friendly get-togethers, check out this past blog!
Resources:
http://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-03-2013/how-to-make-new-friends.html
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends/info-04-2011/never-too-old-for-friends.html