Moving to another city is often a challenge, as it implies leaving behind everything we know and adapting to the new situation. While we adapt to the new place, it is vital that we know how to meet people, because having a circle of friends and acquaintances will make our experience more pleasant and enriching. During this stage it is normal to experience a series of mixed feelings, such as fear, enthusiasm, and nostalgia. It is even quite common that we find it difficult to meet people in the new location. However, here are some tips to help you make new friends. Moving to a new city is an enriching experience. Especially because it gives you the opportunity to meet more people.
In that sense, it is quite common for cities or regions to have pre-established stereotypes about what the locals are like. When we move to a new city it is difficult not to know them, because there is always someone to let us know. For example, "people from such and such a city tend to be cold" or "distant" or "very warm". Although this type of belief about the inhabitants may seem harmless, it is not at all. For, without our realizing it, we fall into a bias that significantly determines the way we relate to each other, and it doesn't necessarily have to be true. Moreover, we run the risk of offending, if we comment on an ill-founded stereotype. The ideal is to arrive without any prejudice and let ourselves be surprised by the local people.
Besides, we are not all the same, even though we live in the same city. So, the first thing you should do to meet people is to get rid of those beliefs about the inhabitants of the new city. One of the most effective ways to meet people is to sign up for an activity that involves a group of people. For example, cooking classes, dance classes, language classes, among others. The ideal is to get involved in routines that you enjoy, so you will meet people who share the same tastes as you. The advantage of this option is that frequent meetings with the same people end up creating bonds and cohesion among members. So don't even think about it. On the other hand, cultural events are other contexts that facilitate contacts between people in the area.
Also, public libraries, museums and universities are often full of posters calling for music festivals, book clubs and fairs. These events create a festive atmosphere that encourages people to integrate. To meet new people it is necessary to leave home. Take advantage of the fact that you don't know the place and venture out to discover it. It is likely that in your walks you will have the opportunity to interact with someone. In these cases, do not miss the opportunity and coordinate other meetings. Don't be afraid to say that you are new in the city, this can lead to a friendlier behavior towards you; besides, it is very likely to help you make friends. If your coworkers or schoolmates ask you out, avoid turning down the invitation.
In conclusion, we know how tempting it can be to go home, lie on the couch and watch movies. But, as we already said, your circle of friends is hardly going to expand if you stay cooped up. Just spending some time together is enough to strengthen relationships. Sometimes, we are so immersed in our responsibilities that we don't realize the opportunities we miss to socialize. Then, we wonder why we are so lonely. Assertiveness in communication is very important for the establishment and maintenance of any relationship. It consists of expressing one's opinions directly, respectfully and without generating discomfort in the other person. It also involves respecting the ideas, interests and opinions of others.
Do you find it easier to make new friends?
Disclaimer: I would like to let you know that English is not my mother tongue, I may even make some mistakes in the elaboration of sentences in my posts. Feel free to correct me attentively. It will help me in my learning process.
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