You know the saying “Make new friends, but keep the old”? Well, when
you’re feeling lost and friendless in a new city, you’ll be tempted to
convince yourself that it’s A-OK to just keep the old. Who needs new
friends when you can e-mail, instant-message, and spend hours on the
phone with the ones you already have? Plus, you work long hours and
have a full DVR waiting for you at home…happy hour, shmappy hour.
Not
a good game plan, sister! As scary as it may be, you have to step out
of your comfort zone and put in the effort to build a social network.
Start by e-mailing friends and acquaintances to find out who they know
in your adopted home. Many of your friends will pull college friends,
old co-workers, and long-lost cousins out of the woodwork. Before you
know it, you’ll have an Excel sheet full of “potential friend” contact
info. Then follow these tips.
