In my experience, making new friends as an adult is one of the hardest things in the world. When I moved to Townsville a few years ago for uni, I felt like the biggest nigel no-friends for the longest time. But it can be done – you just need to be proactive.
Ask Around
If you're moving to a new town, ask your friends and family if they know anyone there. If they do, get a phone number or e-mail address and get in touch. Let your friend of a friend know that you're moving to town and ask them if they'd like to show you around.
Join a ClubWhat better place to meet like minded people than a club that shares your interest? Be it reading, exercise, gardening or planking, there's bound to be a group in your area. Try community noticeboards,
Gumtree or
Meetups.com to find an appropriate one. And if there's not, start one yourself.
Volunteer
Donating time to a worthy cause breeds instant camaraderie. The woman you do Meals on Wheels with or the guy helping you sell raffle tickets just might become your new best friend. And if not, at least you're doing something productive with your time.
Start a ConversationNothing venture, nothing gained, right? So make your move. Have a chat with your co-worker, the people in your classes, even the guy sitting next to you on the bus. It might not turn into anything – but then again, it might. What do you have to lose?
If anyone else has any patented tips for winning friends and influencing people, we'd love to hear them.
