Making A Home: Adjusting to a New Community

Trying to find your niche in a new community? Even the most adventurous people often have trouble feeling comfortable in a new town. The following tips will help you make new friends while getting to know your community better.

Novel Networking

If you love to read, literature can be a great way to make friends. People reveal a lot about themselves when explaining why they like a particular author or character; if you find yourself agreeing with someone's literary opinions, there's a good chance you two will get along. See if there's a book club in your area. If not, frequent local bookstores or libraries and make friends with the owners and patrons.

Advancing through Activism

If there's a local cause that's important to you, get involved as soon as you're settled in. Protests, fundraising, and community discussions will put you in contact with people who have similar values and interests. Whether you care about the environment, women's rights, or poverty outreach, surround yourself with people who will help you make a difference!

Learn a New Trick

If you've ever wanted to learn to dance, study a new language, or take acting classes, the time to do so is during your first few months in town. You'll not only form friendships with your teachers and fellow students, but will make yourself more visible to the community as a whole.

Social Parenting

If you have kids, become as involved in their lives as possible. Go to PTA meetings at their schools, volunteer as a coach for their sports teams, and take them to the pool, the movies, and community events as often as possible. This will put you in touch with other parents and community organizers while simultaneously strengthening your bond with your children.

Career and Community

It may seem counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to make new friends is to focus on your career. If you demonstrate that you're a diligent worker with innovative ideas, you'll earn the respect of your boss and co-workers, and they'll be more willing to interact with you outside of work. For best results, volunteer for group projects at your workplace; nothing builds friendships like a common goal.

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