Making new friends in a new city can be extremely terrifying and daunting, but can also be an exciting experience as you make new connections. Knowing who you are, embracing your self-worth, and building self esteem with the help of a therapist during this time can help put you on the right path to feeling grounded in this new environment.
According to an article from Oprah Daily, leaning on your existing networks is a great start to feeling confident in building new relationships!
Leaning on your existing networks first and foremost may help alleviate some of the pressure you may be feeling to reinvent the social wheel. A great first step in this is to “Tell your friends and family that you’ve moved and ask if they know anyone living in the area.”. Oprah continues, “Your old camp friend, former roommate, or cousin may have a great friend to connect you to in the area”. Another avenue to explore would be utilizing the power of social media; don’t discount sending an Instagram DM! As noted by Oprah, “people are more receptive to friends than you might think, especially if you have a few in common.”. Leaning on your existing networks can allow you to feel more comfortable in navigating new people, and having a friend in common can help ease some of the discomfort.
Getting yourself out there in a way that allows you to establish new routines around your hobbies while also finding people with common interests can be a win-win. If you like to run or walk, there are plenty of run clubs in different cities that you can join for free that can also be a social way to meet new people. The same goes for book clubs, everyone there is looking to talk and be a part of a group that enjoys reading and discussing similar content. A book club is a great way to get yourself involved with a like minded group of people that share similar interests to you. If you like sports, there are sports clubs and groups you can join to play a game of pickleball, pickup basketball, or even soccer. Gyms and fitness studios also typically offer a wide range of weekly classes. This can serve as a great opportunity to build another new routine and see familiar faces each week. For example, if you love yoga and take a yoga class close to your apartment, chances are the people at that same yoga class may live nearby and share similar interests. Overall, shared activities create natural opportunities to meet new people and establish a sense of community in a new place.
Could you ever imagine yourself being the neighbor that knocks on your other neighbor’s doors to say hello and introduce yourself? It may sound intimidating, but this is an underutilized opportunity to meet the people you are living around and to create a safe and welcoming space for you. Maybe this helps inspire others in the community to put themselves out there, or creates an opportunity to organize a small gathering with your neighbors like a potluck or game night. You may even take the next step and invite your neighbors to a housewarming at your new apartment! There are many ways to engage with your community that will ultimately make your building or street feel more like home.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the people in your building or even when you are at the local coffee shop. Coffee shops can be great environments to meet new people and establish a community for fellow cafe-goers or virtual workers. The grocery store is another great place to strike up a conversation with someone. Chances are the people shopping at your local grocery store also live nearby and can be a great way to meet people that live close to you, just like a workout class or at the gym. And, as small as it may seem, a smile goes a long way in making connections with others! If you are nervous to strike up a conversation and need help to work on confidence, online therapy is a great way to boost your confidence and build these daunting yet accessible skills!
Use social media to your advantage! Oftentimes when we think about social media, we are only thinking about the negative aspects of it. There are many networking opportunities on social media across facebook and instagram groups, as well as specific pages fostering communities of people with similar interests. For example, there are a plethora of facebook groups tailored to where you live in your city! This may include groups sharing the best local workout classes, groups who go together to dog parks, and even pages for new parents or single people. This can help you connect with others in your area and community that may be looking for similar social outlets.
Chances are that if you don’t live in the city you work in, there may be people that work at your company or share previous work experiences nearby. Networking through work can be so helpful in creating connections through mutual colleagues or experiences. Maybe a work friend that lives in a different city knows someone that lives in your city, or perhaps a neighbor used to work in the same industry as you. Networking through work friends can be a great way to see people in a different light and use your network to your advantage. Work is a huge part of people’s lives, so being able to connect and relate on a personal level can also be helpful when in the workplace.
Are you just overwhelmed and anxious about making new friends and just not sure how even after reading this post? Our anxiety therapists are here for you every step of the way. It is hard to make new friends anywhere, but being in a new city can be the perfect opportunity to put yourself out there!
The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety treatment. Everyone has a different approach to managing anxiety and anxious thoughts. That is why it’s important to get clear on what works for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you.
Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out how to manage your anxious mind. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:
We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.