If you’re new to NYC, you may feel that finding new friends or connecting with people in your new hometown can be difficult. It’s not uncommon for people to feel isolated and lonely when they move to a new area, or when circumstances in their lives change and it’s time to start afresh with new companions. There are a lot of creative ways to connect with people in-person anywhere you may live, but in the city, opportunities abound.
Connecting with people at work or in your neighborhood
If you go to work on location, try to develop acquaintances during office hours by striking up conversations and by taking breaks in common workspaces. If coworkers go out for lunch, coffee breaks, or cocktail hours, join in. If there’s a group that walks during your lunch break and you like the people, go with them. Make an effort, and usually, people will respond positively to your friendly gestures. If you’re lucky, there will be an office extrovert who will invite you first!
You may live in an apartment complex or neighborhood that has group activities to help people connect. If so, go to them. If not, and you like organizing, ask a couple of neighbors if they’d like to do something like that and start to make it happen. You’ll meet a lot of people that way.
Making connections with hobbies and interests
Getting involved in the community or pursuing your interests are great ways to meet people with shared interests.
Volunteer in something you’re passionate about. If you love animals, volunteer at a shelter. If you love nature, volunteer at a nature center or a park. If you love people, volunteer at a nursing home or hospital.
Do you like to exercise? Sign up for a gym and strike up conversations with people you see regularly or join a walking or bike-riding group. If you enjoy the arts, go to cultural events or shows of local artisans. You’ll have much to discuss when admiring someone’s craftsmanship. And don’t forget about your house of worship – it’s a great place to make friends.
There are many handy apps that can help you connect with people with similar interests, but use them with caution. In-person communication helps you gauge someone’s personality better than virtual, technology-driven communication.
Making connections with continuing education
Remaining intellectually stimulated can give you a sense of accomplishment and growth when you’re navigating a new environment. Whether you’re taking a night course to continue your degree or taking a creative class in an area of interest, you will have other students to share experiences with and possibly study with. These relationships may grow into real friendships.
Moving from acquaintance to friend
Relationships exist at different levels. In order for a person to go from acquaintance to friend, there needs to be trust, which develops over time, so don’t be too vulnerable too soon. But at the same time, going too slowly can cause you to lose that opportunity because the other person might feel like you don’t really want to be friends.
If you need help navigating the process of meeting people or making friends, or if you’re experiencing anxiety and need someone to talk through it with you, reach out to me. We’ll walk through it together and help you build your new circle of friends.