Making new friends and creating a social circle for yourself can be extremely hard. But we have ideas and tips for you that work, so we had to share them!
In this post, we are going to use our past experiences to help you build a community in Canada. Take it slow and take your time – you will make friends here. There are so many opportunities where you can be social and open while connecting with others.
While you can attend single outings, which are great for brief social interactions, it is not great for building last friendships. One major tip to begin is find a space that you can visit frequently connecting with others who also attend. Dr. Marisa G. Franco explains the concept of propinquity on the House Calls Podcast with the US Surgeon General and states, “Propinquity is really the idea that nearness contributes to connection. So, if we are in the same place repeatedly over time, we are more likely to connect.” She continues to advise, “Don’t just find a happy hour, find a regular professional development group. Join the board of that group so you can get more propinquity and more nearness.” Listen to the full episode of the podcast here!
Join a Sport League
Looking for a shared interest will help create an initial connection that you can build on over time with weeks of practices, matches, and even tournaments.
Pickleball is a sport gaining popularity across Canada! Click here to learn more about the sport and where you can play here. You’ll be able to meet likeminded people who may be new to the sport or just looking to stay active.
Volunteer
Volunteering for a cause you care about can be a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and make friends. You can find more information about volunteer opportunities by contacting local organizations.
Check out the Newcomer Skills Accelerator Program giving newcomer youth the chance to gain valuable volunteer experience and access to mentors.
Explore Social Spaces and Events
Visit your local library’s free drop-in events like knitting groups, book clubs, and beginner French conversation circles to build potential friendships with people who like all the same things.
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Use Social Media and Other Apps
Join local groups on Facebook, Twitter, or apps, like We3, to meet people who are also looking for new friends. You are not alone and taking advantage of online groups will bring you together with people who have the same goal.
Therapist and relationship researcher, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer vouches for the positive impact of social media on new friendships. In an interview with Global News, she says, “For those who struggle to meet people and crave social contact, friendship apps are changing the ways we meet people and how our friendships are formed. It can be easier to reach out, introduce yourself, and get a friendship off the ground when you know that the other person is also looking to make new friends.”
Look Inwards to Grow Your Social Circle
Are there any friends of friends in your new community? Asking for introductions can be a simple way to expand your own network through people you already know and trust.
Remember, making friends takes time and effort, so do not be discouraged if it does not happen right away. Keep putting yourself out there, and you will find people that you click with.
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