Friendship Series – Making New Friends
What others are reading:
It has always been hard for me to make friends for some reason. I don’t know if it’s something I do or say or how I act, but one of the things I have learned about myself over the last few years is I really need to work to make friends.
This problem has been highlighted by the fact that Ben and I moved across the country a few months ago, and I am starting from scratch on the friend front. I knew that once I relocated I would have to make it a goal to establish new friendships.
I quickly learned it’s not easy to make friends once you’re out of school! While in college there are all these built in scenarios for meeting people – study groups, clubs, roommates, co-workers that are guaranteed to be your same age… But, once you’re in the “real world” it takes some searching and effort to make friends.
Making friends is a lot like meeting men – you have to go where people with similar interests hang out. For me this means finding people who like running or eating frozen yogurt.
I’m very lucky because through my blog (Run,Eat,Repeat) many like minded girls have reached out to me for friendship. I have even found someone who shares my love of chickpeas! But, I’m also looking into joining a running group or taking a cooking class for even more friends.
If you’re looking for a friend I suggest looking for a hobby first. Join a book club or take an art class – there will automatically be a group of people who share your passion to hang out with and chat up. You’ll be laughing over coffee or cocktails in no time!
The key is to put yourself out there and be social. Everyone can use another friend 
And if you still can’t make any new friends, send me an email and I’ll be your friend – especially if you love frozen yogurt…
Monica, what a great article that was! I’m kind of in the same boat – I made friends in university, but since have drifted from most of them. Living out in the country means that there aren’t a lot of people my age around. I’ve definitely considered joining some classes to meet new people! It is really hard the older you get!
Um excuse me. I live like 10 minutes from you, and we’ve never hung out. I guess that means you don’t WANT to be my friend! lol. Making friends IS hard though, I agree.
I always joke with my college friends that making new friends is a lot like dating. It starts with grabbing coffee or a drink and goes from there. The worst is when you start to get to know someone and they end up not being a good fit… then you have to “break up” with them!