Making New Friends

Moving into a new community is not easy!  From children to seniors, we all need to feel accepted in our new environments and that means meeting people to establish new friendships and finding ways to participate in local activities.  Military families seem to have this down to a science!  But what about the rest of us?

Before I came here, my corporate and consulting assignments had moved me from my Ohio base to Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit and Dallas.  In each place, I had work colleagues, church and a social network to help me feel at home.  (My three adult daughters used to chuckle because, with each move, I’d say, “Don’t worry, I have a sorority sister who lives there.  I’ll be fine.”)  And I was fine, usually finding myself entrenched in my new community within six months.   But moving to Hampton Roads to be closer to my children was different.  I no longer had a ready supply of collaborative colleagues with whom I worked because I changed careers and, wonder of all wonders, I did not have a sorority sister here!  My new connections came from playing bridge, attending Sunday School class, joining the neighborhood 55+ club, finding other dog lovers, and, of course, from meeting delightful clients.  I give back to the community by taking my therapy dog to visit the hospital and nursing homes, which makes both of us feel good! 

What helped you make the transition?  Share your tips!