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Have you just moved to a new area and don’t know a soul? Starting that new job tomorrow? Thinking “how am I ever going to meet people?” I’ll tell you up front, it is not as easy as you think. In fact, once you move away from familiarity, you gain an understanding of why people live and die in the same state and same hometown. To put it a nicer way, you’ll understand why people don’t move and don’t like change…
For those of you with adventure in your soul and you just packed your things and moved away, you’ve done a brave, brave thing. Now that you’re all unpacked and full of energy again…you realize you don’t know a single person in the area, uh-oh…now what? Get out there and start socializing. Whether you are outgoing or shy, everyone needs to know someone close by. Below are some suggestions of ways to meet people, some may just involve socializing and others you may make more than just acquaintances.
In a work setting:
Try to get to know people outside of work…if you hear of people going for a few drinks after work, ask if you can tag along…explain that you’re new and will go nuts if you stay in one more night. This usually gets a good chuckle and a “come on along…” Remember whether you drink or not isn’t the point, it’s the fact that you get to go out.
If your new company has outings for sports, happy hours and such go to them, this is a good way to interact with people outside of work.
As you get to know more people at work and become more comfortable with your company, it never hurts to pass on some friendly suggestions to your Human Resources department on how to make the next new person feel comfortable:
§ A lunch buddy or two for your first few weeks
§ Department lunches once a month
§ Company happy hours on Fridays
§ Mandatory department gatherings (once people become comfortable with each other, they will no longer have to be mandatory. People will look forward to going and won’t say they can’t because work needs to be done…everyone needs a break.)
In an everyday setting:
Get to know your neighbors, introduce yourself, say “hi”; if you see them outside try to strike up a 2-minute conversation. You will feel more comfortable in your new home. This way, if something goes wrong, need to borrow pliers, or need a hand lifting/moving something you can always ask for help.
If you have a dog, take your dog for walks in your neighborhood or in the park, this is a great way for people to strike up conversations.
Go to the local coffeehouse to relax, if you do it when it’s not so busy, people might feel more at ease to talk.
Another wonderful place to meet people is at the bookstore, places like Barnes and Noble or Borders. I have yet to have anyone say that they have not had a conversation with at least one person there. I also know quite a few people have left having made a date with someone…pretty good!
If you have spare time and like bartending or waiting tables, this is the ultimate place to meet people and make friends. You will be amazed at the amount of people you get to know in a short amount of time. Plus cash on hand is always helpful…
Or think of hobbies or a fun class you have always wanted to take, you’ll get to meet people and do something fun at the same time.
Soon, you won’t be so homesick and you’ll have a social life again: being new isn’t so bad because eventually the newness wears away.
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