Dear friend,
Welcome, or welcome back! In case you missed it:
I have lived in seven cities across five states in the last decade. Two of those moves were for career promotions, two of those moves were marriage-related. All of those moves required me to meet new people. Make new friends. And y’all – I LOVE humans. I love people. I am an extreme extrovert. And even I, as a people-loving, extremely extroverted, talkative millennial, have struggled to connect at times.
Enter this blog.
I have finally landed on a centering theme for this blog, a focus: how to make, keep, and enrich life-giving friendships that make your life more colorful, bright, and fulfilled. I invite you to come back every Monday and Thursday for friendship tips.
Think of me as your friend in the city. Your sis, encouraging you to make new connections. Today’s friendship tip is below!
Tip #4: D is for Dependable
Making new friends in a new city can be both exciting and daunting, especially when navigating through unfamiliar territories. Building meaningful friendships requires effort and sincerity, but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach. Here are five practical tips to help you become a dependable friend and foster lasting connections in your new city:
- Initiate Genuine Conversations: Start by initiating genuine conversations with people you meet. Whether it’s at a local café, a community event, or a yoga class, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to the responses. Showing genuine interest in others is the first step towards building trust and rapport.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to forming genuine connections. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to share your interests, passions, and quirks. Authenticity breeds authenticity, and when you’re true to yourself, you’re more likely to attract friends who appreciate you for who you are.
- Show Empathy and Support: Being a dependable friend means being there for others during both the good times and the bad. Show empathy and support by actively listening, offering a shoulder to lean on, and providing encouragement when needed. Remembering important dates like birthdays or milestones also demonstrates your commitment to nurturing the friendship.
- Be Reliable: Dependability is a cornerstone of any strong friendship. Make an effort to follow through on your commitments and be reliable in both big and small ways. Whether it’s showing up on time for plans, lending a helping hand when needed, or simply being there to offer a listening ear, reliability builds trust and strengthens bonds.
- Initiate Activities and Gatherings: Take the initiative to plan activities or gatherings with your new friends. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a movie night, or a hiking adventure, organizing social events helps strengthen your connections and creates opportunities for shared experiences and memories.
Building friendships in a new city takes time and effort, but by following these practical tips and being genuine, empathetic, and reliable, you can create meaningful connections that enrich your life and make your new city feel like home. So, step out of your comfort zone, be open to new experiences, and embrace the journey of making new friends in your new city!
Remember, you don’t need a ton of friends. You just need a few good ones.
Your friend in the city,
Vimbo
P.S. ❤️ Subscribe to my weekly Sunshine Emails that go out on Mondays, click HERE 😊
