Grab GAR RSS FeedMaking new friends in a new community can be intimidating. Your neighbors have established their social ties, and you feel like the outsider. With time and patience you'll meet people and fit in. Here's how to begin.
- Find groups and meeting places. Head on over to the pool, fitness room or grill area. Ask around to find out where your new community posts local announcements.
- Approach someone you think you'd like to make friends with and just say hello. It’s simple enough. Pay attention and repeat back their name and try to remember it for next time.
- Acknowledge that you're new and say where you're from. Sometimes, that's all it takes to get people's attention or start a conversation.
- Make some simple conversation. Compliment what they're wearing, or comment on the weather or other world event. This sort of small talk is often good for getting people warmed up.
- Go out. People in your neighborhood are outdoors at some point during the day. You won't meet new friends if you're just watching TV or at home in front of the computer, so get out there.
- Look for common interests. As soon as you start talking to somebody, be on the lookout for similar interests to yours. It doesn't have to be an exact match, just common ground you can use to start a conversation.
- Join groups. Ask around about sports teams, book clubs, volunteer organizations, and anything else that interests you. Having a common cause tends to unite people, and many organizations welcome new members.
- Invite people over. Meet with one or two people at a time, or have some new acquaintances over to your new apartment home; host a housewarming party or larger get-together.
- Take the initiative. If you see someone who seems bored or alone, make some conversation, or see if they'd like to go for walk or swim.
