Finding Friends: Start The Search Online

We have spent the last week discussing how to attract and start potential friendships now it is time to figure out where to find potential friends

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How I wish that I had done our major move now instead of 11 years ago. Why? Because finding groups to join where I could find friends is would have been so much easier.

Now a days weeks before your move you can hop online and with a simple Google search you can find local MOPS groups, potential churches you might want to join, gyms that offer classes you like, sport groups for your children to try out, and knitting groups to get you yarn fix at.

Chances are all these groups and more have not only their own websites but also Facebook pages and Twitter profiles.

Before you even pack your first box you can have a list of half a dozen potential places to start finding new friends. You may even be able to get a jump start on making new friendships by commenting on these Facebook pages and websites.

If you can’t find these groups online you could always do it the old fashion way which is what I had to do. Check out the bulletin boards of coffee shops and libraries when you arrive in your new town for listings of MOPS groups and such. The telephone book (yes they still make those) will help you find a list of churches and gyms and children’s activity groups. Your new librarian can be treasure trove of information on local homeschooling groups, gardening groups, local knitting groups and more.

Your first year in town be open to trying everything that interests you. Go ahead and overload you social calendar for the sake of finding a real life social network that is going to help you make your new place feel like home.

You can cut back on events once you are feeling a little less lonely in those quiet evening hours. For me that took about a year. Then I slowly starting cutting out the activities until I felt I had a good balance of home life and social gatherings.

If you are an introvert, the idea of several social outings a week might seem overwhelming, however I think it is essential. Introvert or extrovert we are all created with the need to feel part of community and you are not going to fill that need sitting on your couch.

Whatever your comfort zone is regarding social events push it at least one group more so that your have an ocean of friends to choose from. The saying is there many fish in the sea but remember when it comes to friends you were meant for one school and chances are you are not going to meet that school in the privacy of your own home.

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This post is part of the New Town to Hometown series. Use the links below to dig into the series.

Introduction: My Story

Part One: Becoming Friend Worthy