NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIPS
Moving to the city all by myself was hard on it’s own, but by far the toughest part of my whole experience was leaving my best friends behind. I’m completely a girl’s girl and my gal pals are more like my sisters than even friends, I’ve been through everything with these people. Some of which I’ve know since fifth grade, other’s I’ve met in college through my sorority and formed life long sisterhoods with. I’ve had my first everything with these girls, laughs, tears, prom, cars, boys, bars, and so many experiences that have bonded us for life. To up and move away from them was a horrific task. Though I knew we would remain friends even at distance, it was hard being in one of the most populated cities, not knowing anyone. It can be a very lonely feeling, but it does get better. To start, you simply need to find at least one person that you have something in common with, whether that be church, fashion, community service, art. Go to a location where others similar to you may hang out, it’s simple. For me, it started by receiving an email about a fashion blogger wine and discussion event. All it took was the one girl I met at this event for me to be introduced to all of her friends, with similar interests to mine. Another great place to find friends is simply work, never under estimate the power of good work friends. Though its important to not cross the boundary between work and play, but work can be a great place to practice socializing with new faces. It’s also a great way to meet others outside of the work force by perhaps being introduced to mutual friends or by going to work sponsored parties and events. The hardest part is striking up a conversation with someone, but never forget that a smile and a drink in your hand can give you all the courage you would ever need, plus it makes you wayyyy more approachable if your alone and off your phone. What works for me is to simply tell that person as honestly as you can, I’m looking to make new friends, generally most people are willing to make more as well. I’m definitely no expert and this is something that is a work in progress for me, but no matter if your moving to New York city for the first time or anywhere else you CAN make new friends, but only as long as your willing to try new places, put yourself out of your comfort zones, and remember your not alone in this.
