Settling Into A New Town
I just moved to a new town where I know only one person. I needed to make some new friends. The best way to do this is to check on Meetup.com for local groups you are interested in. I did this and have met a bunch of wonderful new people. I joined a writer’s circle and three other social groups; two just for women to chat and make new friends and one that’s mixed gender for hikes and dinner outings. There’s also a book club I’m interested in as well. They are close to home and completely free of charge. You get notifications of every upcoming activity and can opt in or out as you please.
You can start your own meetup group if you have a hobby that is not offered already. There are instructions on the website for how to do this. This way you can set days and times that work for you and even if you don’t get many takers at first, you are setting aside a weekly time for yourself to work on something you love.
The town’s Parks and Recreation booklet offers many great opportunities to meet people. You can sign up for all kinds of activities, from fitness to pottery, music, or group outings. I joined a yoga class where I have chatted with a few interesting people. I am planning to invite one of them to go for lunch afterwards. My husband has joined a billiards league and has met many friendly people. He has already been invited to visit a couple of them outside the league.
Another great way to meet people is through volunteering. You only need to give a couple of hours a week to a local charity to find a new circle of friends. In most towns there is usually a United Way, Food Bank, 4-H Club, Scouts and Girl Guides, Big Brothers and Sisters, a homeless shelter/ soup kitchen, thrift store, SPCA etc. If you are religious, there are churches you can join.
Even if you are shy, just being around others and quietly participating is rewarding. It gets you out of the house to try something new. Someone will probably approach you to make a connection. Don’t be afraid. We are all just lonely souls drifting in and out of each other’s lives trying to make the best of each day. Open yourself up to the wider community. Expect good things to happen and they probably will.
