I never realized how much interest surrounded this topic until I moved from NYC to LA a year and a half ago. So many of you asked me for tips on making friends in a new city and how to make friends as an adult in general – and I really wanted to delve into this topic today. I’ll be including personal stories and scenarios that worked for me and things I’ve learned along the way!
Find a gym, class or private workout studio that you enjoy going to and become a regular
One of my best friends in NYC happened to be my pilates teacher. I was living in the West Village and became interested in taking private pilates classes so I googled “West Village pilates” and her studio was one of the first to pop up. I scheduled a private session with her and we instantly hit it off and 3 years later – we’ve taken several trips together, had so many laughs, shed so many tears, and she was the person who inspired me to start meditating.
Join Junior League, Boys and Girls club or another charity organization
My mom was a member of Junior League for years when she first moved from Connecticut to Arizona. She felt so alone and out of her element moving from the east coast to the west coast, and the Junior League was a safe, fun place for her to interact with like minded women. Some of her closest friends to this day – almost 30 years later are from her charity days.
Get a dog! And take it everywhere with you; dog parks, coffee shops, to run errands
Seriously, I have met SO many people through Charlie. It’s honestly insane.
Sign up for a seminar, class, or attend a conference about a topic you’re interested in
Ever wanted to learn how to speak a new language? It’s the perfect time! You’ll have tons of potential study buddies all around you – and what a great way to break the ice! Interested in brushing up on your social media, marketing, or graphic design skills? Your new best friend may have had the same idea and you can be beginners together!
Go on a solo retreat
I’ve been on two solo retreats and made best friends on each one. One was a week long health/spa retreat and one was a yoga/surf retreat called Anamaya in Costa Rica.
Travel alone
Sounds intimidating or uncomfortable to some (and it did to me for a while!) but read all about my tips on How To Travel Alone here.
Reach out to old friends from your hometown, middle school, high school, or college that now live in the same city as you via Facebook
When I moved to Venice, I didn’t know ANYONE – or at least that’s what I thought. I had about 4 friends/family total in all of Los Angeles…but then I quickly did a search on Facebook and realized that tons of my friends from my hometown, middle school, high school, AND college had moved to Venice or the surrounding neighborhoods! I decided to have a huge Memorial Day BBQ at my place last year and invited all of them via Facebook and was so happy to see familiar faces show up. I was able to rekindle bonds I had back in the day, that had faded due to distance/me living in NYC, and loved knowing I had a community of genuine women around me from back home. Don’t be shy to take the first step/make the first move in inviting people somewhere or suggesting plans!!!!!
Through friends of friends
If you’re new to a city, or even if you’re not new, and looking to making more friends, new friends or stronger friendships – then branch out – get out of your comfort zone! Go to that birthday party you got invited to but probably would have skipped in the past, organize a group of girlfriends for a picnic at the beach or in Central Park, a brunch or fun dinner/girls night out, and tell everyone to bring one of their friends you don’t already know, attend that event you were on the fence about with a neighbor, colleague or cousin, and grab happy hour with your colleagues!
At work
Don’t be shy or afraid to reach out to new or even old coworkers! Start small if you’re hesitant – ask someone you don’t know that well to grab coffee on break, try a new lunch spot, or just break the ice by asking for their advice or opinion on something (maybe it’s fun things to do in your area on the weekend, great dinner spots, or something work related.) People love when you ask them for advice or their opinion – it makes them feel good, wanted, and needed! Most people are happy that you asked and honestly just want to connect just as much as you do!!!!
Social media
I’ve become close with several photographers, videographers, fellow bloggers and creatives I admire after discovering them on Instagram and reaching out. If you’re able to find like minded/similar individuals in your industry online – don’t hesitate to send them a DM or email telling them you love their work and create that initial connection. Maybe they won’t turn into a best friend, but they could be a great business connection or contact to have. You’ll never know if you don’t try :)
Subscribed to all! 🤞🤞🤞
These are great tips! I do agree that making friends as an adult can be so hard. Definitely trying some of your suggestions!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
11. Comment on her blog
A new follower, and I am so grateful I came across your blog. Absolutely not comparable to any I have read before
with love from Kenya, Africa
Such a cute inspiring post! I haven’t traveled alone much but it sure is a rewarding and freeing feeling!
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
I’ve always loved reading your blog and now that you’ve started posting vlogs on youtube it has formed a better connection that we wouldn’t have otherwise. Subscribed to all! Would enjoy trying the Kate Somerville exfoliate glow moisturizer.
I’ve always loved reading your blog and now that you’ve started posting vlogs on youtube it has formed a better connection that we wouldn’t have otherwise. Subscribed to all! Would enjoy trying the Kate Somerville exfoliate glow moisturizer.
Hi Kat! I’m subscribed to all of your social media accounts. You’re one of my most favorite bloggers and I always look forward to seeing your posts!
Thanks for the advice! It’s definately been hard to find friends with similar interests after college and I will try these out
Wonderful post! ♥️🌷♥️
🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Great post, Kat! Another great way to meet new friends is by going back to school! I didnt know a soul when I moved to LA. I went back to school for my MBA and that’s how I met most of my now close friends!
Hi Kat! Have been loving your videos and posts lately. Super inspiring 😍 I’m not subscribed to all!!
Subscribed to all! Great post!
Love these suggestions! I almost moved to a new city with no friends, and some of these worked for me too!
Such a great blog post! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and all the great content you share!
Thank you for the great suggestions on how to meet other women. It sounds like you have made some amazing friends. I love your blog and Instagram posts. Thanks for being so inspiring to us women.
This is a wonderful blog post! Thank you so much for sharing this and all of your great content!
Subscribed to all :) I love this entire post, I’m 33 and I find it so hard to make friends as an adult. Especially since I don’t have (and are not planning on having) kids. Thanks for the tips!
Signed up! Xx
Kat! I loved this post. It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone (which can be hard) but that’s the only way to meet new people. I met new people last summer through volunteering and made some great friends i was even invited to a wedding and made a custom painting for the bride and groom!
I love your Instagram page too, you’re like a ray of sunshine ☀️
I would love to win this giveaway!! Love Rachel Zoe! Also, this is amazing advice! It’s definitely a lot tougher making friends as an adult in a new city. I had the same troubles when I moved from Connecticut to Nashville. Wish I had this advice then!! Thanks for sharing :)
Xox
Jenna
http://www.jennaleeann.com
Entered👍
It takes long time for me to make new friends these are good tips!
I shared this tips with my newly single friend :)
Love this read Kat!! Love your entire vibe and style! I already follow you and Charlie on Instagram, you are my favorite! I love your newsletter too. I just signed up for you on YouTube. Fingers crossed I win. I love the earrings! Keep decorating the world!! Much love and success too you!!! Oh and PS I don’t like graphic tees on men either!
Xoxo 💕💕
Love the outfits and the pictures! 🍉
Loved this post! Such good tips, now I just have to book that solo trip
Omg has it been that long since you moved to Venice! I have been following you since NYC, I was sad to see you move and with that lose your insider scoop on NY. These are all great suggestions! Thanks for sharing.
Love your blog and insta! 💕
Love these tips Kat!! It is harder to make friends when you have kids too–especially when your kids are friends but you do not necessarily want to be friends with their parents lol. I also found volunteering at my boys’ school helped to widen my social circle. And keeping in touch and making an effort with old friends is harder but also worth it:)
Love following you and Charlie on Instagram! I’m now following on all 3. Love this fun giveaway for summer. Your my favorite blogger, love your demeanor, style and overall vibe. Xoxo Tricia
ps- I vote NO to graphic tees too. 🤣🤣💕💕💕
Thanks for sharing Kat! I just moved to New York from D.C. so I can definitely relate. Love all your suggestions! It’s inspiring to know that you’ve picked up and moved without knowing a soul and created this amazing community in no time. :D
Love this post! so wonderful, and these are great tips for me to consider for life after college!
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Thank you dear for this amazing post. I’m going to practice some of them. You look gorgeous as usually.
New blog post: How to wear a culottes pants. An outfit full of color, perfect for summer.
Kisses from Miami
http://mylovelypeople.com/2018/06/26/culottes-pants-love-them-or-hate-them/
I think traveling alone is the best way to meet new people. It really forces you to get out there.
May || http://themoderness.com
Nice
Great post :) You look so lovely together :)
I’ve recently had to do some evaluating and soul searching, and ended up needing to shy away from people in my life that weren’t the best for me. I find myself still talking to my core friends, but would love to have a handful of gals (or guys) that I can run to no matter what. Thanks for the post! Great ideas!!
Great tips, thank you for sharing!
Lovely pics! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
As an adult working from home, I know how hard it can be to make friends. Super appreciate these tips! :)
Subscribed to all!
Great post! There is so much truth in this, as I have used just about all of these suggestions when I moved across the country and back. Thank you for both the post and the fun giveaway!!
Have been reading your blog for over 3 years now. It has been so much fun watching the blog evolve and transform.
I wanted to find new friends when i moved to london and it so hard. I got lucky and found Rosanna(italian) in a facebook group. Even though we did not have much time left to hang out, because i moved back to sweden. We made the most of it. But we connected and i cosider her as one of best friends. So hopefully i am going back to visit her in autum! I now live abroad again and it is hard when you have distance to all your friendships. // swedish girl Ellen Ps, your insta and Charlie is the best
I love this advice! I’m moving from DC to NYC soon for work and have very few friends in the city so I’ll definitely be following some of these tips. It’s nerve racking, but I think it’s so important to get out of your comfort zone.
Apologies if this is a double post! Love your blog and all your content on your YouTube and insta account too! Excited for your secret project too! Subscribed to all 💕🌹
Great tips – and what success you’ve had meeting people since your move to LA! You must be a very likable person :-)
I just read in someone’s comment that you’re doing youtube vlogs now, too…I’ll have to go check them out!
Bettye
This was such a relatable post! I really needed this. Im a shy and anxious person, which makes it really difficult to meet new people. Love your tips!
I have followed
You for years and have always loved your style and posts. Thanks for doing the fashion searching for me!
I definitely need to try some of these now that I’m living full time in my soon-to-be-husband’s hometown. He has all of his highschool and college friends local, plus his family, and I’ve been working remotely which leaves me without my own pack around. These are great tips! Thanks for posting.
Subscribed to all! I am about to make a big move, so this post is very helpful as I definitely want to make more friends in my new city!
amazing tips for making friends as an adult!
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Subscribed to all (was already subscribed to some — love your newsletter)! Now excited to read the rest of your post because I’ve been wanting to look into new ways of putting myself out there for new friends as an adult ❤️
Sarah
Done! And thank you for the opportunity! Have a great weekend.
I have been a long time follower and admirer of yours. Making friends with other adults is hard, especially when you live in a small town. Your tips are great and so helpful!
I loved your June unboxing video, and am in awe of all the amazing products you shared (including the links).
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Vanessa of Green Acres Meets Paris
I have been following you on bloglovin, but now have also signed up for your newsletter. Having moved to another country 12 years ago I know what it is like to try and make friends. I definitely need to go back to my yoga class, they changed the venue and i thought i would stop going, but i had some budding friendships there.
Great tips…I know as we get older, it’s harder to connect with people. Just gotta put ourselves out there!
[…] especially if you find yourself in a new city and/or job. With Love From Kat shares all about How To Make Friends As An Adult. Also check out her post Weekend […]
Really enjoyed reading this post. Great suggestions. I’m very interested in trying some solo traveling. Thanks!
[…] grateful for my best friends. Some of which I’ve had since Kindergarten, some of which I’ve had since college, and some […]
[…] Surround yourself with genuine people.Find your tribe. Evaluate all of the relationships in your life and make sure you have cultivated a small handful of real, true, honest friends who will have your back whether you are broke AF, injured, sad, unemployed – you name it. These people will lift you up and recharge you when you’re feeling down. These people will reassure you when you need it the most and remind you that you are unique, special and beautiful. […]
[…] I took the bus to Herald Square Monday-Friday and lived off 99 cent Ray’s pizza and Hale + Hearty salads. I relished eating my lunch in Bryant Park on a hot summer day and doing happy hours after work with new friends. That first year in NYC was one of the best years of my life. I proved to myself that I could move across country, find a job, navigate the city, and make new friends. […]
Love reading this, I just had a conversation with my mom about making friends and how challenging its been for me living in the suburbs when all of my lifelong friends are in big cities and my happy place is quaint little CT.
I am going to try going to Pure Barre 3x a week, and maybe I’ll start taking my dog more places with me!
Thanks for the advice! Hope to run into you around town!! xxx