As we pass through this journey called life we encounter lots of people along the way. For whatever reasons, some of them stay with us on our path while others take a different one. Sometimes you are the one ready to forge a new path. When the proverbial fork in the road presents itself, finding new people to spend time with can be fraught with frustrations and concern while leaving you with a sense of loneliness. Continue reading to learn about places where you can find new people to meet and begin enjoying the journey together.
One thing to note at the outset, it is important to keep safety in mind when entering into new situations or groups. Fully research any new organization, group, or person you intend to meet in person. Always let a friend or family member know where you are (including the address) and the time you will return. Agree to check in with them when you arrive back at your home. Being proactive with your safety is always a good thing.
Dating sites
Dating websites are great ways to sort through potential love interests and partners. You can filter prospective individuals by gender, age, general geographic location, hobbies, etc. These options make it easier than ever to find a suitable match. What is even better is finding a site that is sensitive to your unique culture and heritage.
As an example, Desi dating sites are geared specifically for expatriates of the Indian subcontinent, including those whose families, or themselves, are from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and other countries in the region. These sites make it easier for those with similar cultural heritages to come together while living in another country.
Heritage Groups
As mentioned above, sharing in similar cultures is a way to form a bond. This is just as true in the dating world as it is for friendships. A fun and heartfelt way to do this is by joining a local heritage group. Begin by conducting an online search for “[insert your ancestry or country of origin] groups near me.”
These groups usually have a membership consisting of a wide range of ages from the elderly to the very young and everything in between. Often, the older members are from the country represented in the heritage group. If you still have family living in your country of origin or that of your ancestry, spending time with the older members may give you a greater sense of cultural understanding.
Heritage groups hold classes on traditional baking, cooking, and crafting. They generally give language classes in addition to assistance in tracing your genealogy. Some host annual travel to the “home country.” All of these touchpoints are ways to connect with your family’s culture, other people with the same ancestry, and learn more about yourself in the process.
Couples Classes
Once you find that special someone, it is important to maintain your sense of identity. Even so, it is fun to find activities to engage in as a couple as well. They will allow you to learn new skills while learning more about one another.
One of the benefits of signing up for a couples class is that you get to meet other couples who already have an interest in something you want to learn more about. You get to form the beginnings of a bond with the couple during class. If there is a mutual interest, extend an invitation to join you and your significant other at a restaurant. Choose one with a quiet atmosphere where you can talk and get to know one another on a new level.
Parenting Groups
If you are a new parent, finding your people is a lifeline when mired in diapers and feeding sessions. Parenting is a wonderful experience. It is also a stressful endeavor. You are caring for a new life that is fully dependent on you while you are still trying to maintain a semblance of your own life.
The first months of parenting are the perfect time to find others in parenting groups with similarly aged children. You will go through the experiences and milestones together. Your children will benefit from socialization with other children, too. Talking about solids and diapers are bonding experiences to laugh and cry about together. These people will likely become those you swap babysitting duties with for date night and rely on when you have a sick child.
Houses of Worship
And of course, there is your respective house of worship. Finding like-minded individuals is often easiest when those espousing similar values and mindsets come together. It is invaluable to step outside of what you know and learn about another belief set to better understand others. But there is comfort in sitting with people who understand your belief system.
If you do not have a church yet but are actively seeking one, visit a different church each week until you find one you feel content in joining. Research their website, especially the “About” page to learn about their collective value set and beliefs to ensure yours are aligned.
Next, look for social or activity groups within the church that pique your interest. Many churches organize internal groups based on age, interests, or gender. Find their online calendar and make it a point to attend some events.
Meet New People as an Introvert
If you happen to be on the quieter side of life, you can still experience the joys of meeting new people and making new connections. You do not necessarily need to work harder than others to find meaningful relationships. You need to put forth your efforts in a different manner.
Watch this video for tips on how to meet new people if you are an introvert.
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Friendship comes in many forms and changes shape throughout life. Sometimes it takes time to find “your people” – the ones you truly want to share your life with. And, at times those numbers are small. Know that is ok. The quality of friendships and partnerships is truly greater than the quantity. You have to put yourself out there and take advantage of new experiences to learn, grow, and find yourself, too.
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