Joining a New Community

Times when you move or just want to join a new group, it feels awkward. Like when we were teenagers nervously talking in front of a group, feeling like our hands and feet are too big and no idea what to do with them. What do you do?

First of all, Relax. Everyone is nervous meeting new people. Especially when you know no one.

Look around the space when you enter. What is where and are there signs? Make yourself comfortable.

Smile at people and greet them. They have to get use to you too. Helps if you can relax them too.

Concentrate on hearing their names. Try and use names as soon if you can. Will help you learn who people are.

Realistically no one is going to fall in love at first sight. Don’t expect to meet life long friends on your first visit. Have reasonable expectations and be present and enjoy a little.

Other tips:

Help out where you can.

Act like a host. Introduce yourself and others.

Plan to come back again. Take time to let other recognize and meet you.

Moving is hard, every time is has taken me a year and a half to feel at home or at least know where am going. Friends can take longer. Give yourself time to find where you fit in.