How to Survive Socially When You’ve Been Relocated

(Read Time - 4 minutes)

Moving to a completely new place where you don’t know a single person is easily one of the scariest things in the world! Don’t worry though; I’ve got the experience to help you get through your next relocation! Why does this 24-year-old have the experience to help you? Because my job moved me to three different US locations, to China, and then back to the US, in the last TWO years!!! It’s been tough at points, but I’m going to let you in on my secrets to successfully making new friends and connections.

I started my working career in East Walpole, MA, which was an easy transition from Worcester. I was around a lot of my friends and lived with my girlfriend at the time (story for another day), so needless to say I was very comfortable with my social life. But then when January rolled around it was time for my first move and you’ll never guess where I was headed … beautiful Perry, Georgia!!!

Never heard of it? Don’t worry, no one has. It’s smack dab in the middle of the state, 1.5 hours from Atlanta and 1.5 hours from Savannah (both awesome cities). I was skeptical of this place but decided I’d be fine since it was a new adventure and I’d never actually been south of Virginia. So, me and my beagle, Duke, got settled in Perry and started up our new southern lives.

In about a week I learned that it wasn’t going to be easy to meet new, cool people. I was the youngest person at work by 15 years, there were only about five bars within 10 miles of Perry and I was one of five people living in my brand new apartment complex. So what did I do? I started being abnormally outgoing. That’s the only way you can survive in a brand new place. Here are some ways to become that outgoing, confident person that you’ve always wanted to be.

Method 1: Go to random bars (Just reverse the sex if you’re female)

When you walk in the bar, talk to the first girl you see. She doesn’t need to be hot, just walk up and say hello. Ask her about the area, life, etc. If she’s cool, she’ll probably introduce you to her friends. If not, other people saw you talking to her and they won’t think you’re just the awkward, alone person at the bar. Just keep yourself talking to people and eventually you’ll meet someone cool. They key is just getting past the initial fear of being rejected or embarrassed. The best way that I have found to do that is to treat it like a game. Try to make it fun and just don’t care about the outcome. The more practice, the better you’ll get, the more confident you’ll get, and eventually it will work out.

Method 2: Join a gym, sport, or club (ex: golf league, karate, wine club, book club)

Walk up to any strangers and say “Hi, I’m completely new to the area and am looking for some fun things to do. Can you give me some ideas?” This may spur conversation about a similar interest, lead you to a new adventure or most importantly give you a chance to meet more people. That’s what it’s all about, expanding your social network. Nothing says you have to become great friends with everyone you meet, but if you’re nice to them for a little while they will definitely introduce you to others people.

Method 3: Find connections through your coworkers

If you’re like me and everyone at your office is 15 years older than you, you probably aren’t going to have that much in common with them. However, they might have some friends, relatives or acquaintances that are closer to your age. Ask around the office to see if anyone can hook you up with a contact. I believe that 99% of people are good-at-heart, will understand your situation and be willing to help you out.

IT’S AS EASY AS THOSE THREE METHODS!!!

Using those methods will at least triple the number of people that you would have normally met. It’s probably not going to be easy to do these things so I suggest writing down some inspirational reminders for yourself, and keep them in your pocket when you go out. Examples: “Say hi to someone new!”, “DON’T BE SCARED OF PEOPLE YOU PANSY!”, “That Girl Over There Definitely Wants You”, etc. Whatever works for you.

I learned to use those methods out of necessity, to socially survive in Georgia, but they have helped me adjust to all of my relocations and many other aspects of life. They have developed as a person and naturally made me a much more outgoing, confident and happy. You’re friends, family and coworkers will all start to take notice before long and then you’ll realize what your life has been missing. So try it out, do something out of your ordinary and I guarantee you that you won’t regret it!