Let's be honest its so hard to make friends as a grown a** woman. We meet most of our friends from school or work. Moving to a new city as an adult can be pretty awkward to put yourself out there to create new relationships. Sometimes it feels like everyone has already established their bonds and there is no room for you to fit in. I completely get it. Trying to find the tribe that fit your vibe can be difficult and will also test you to step out of your comfort zone. My friends live in different states and communicating via FaceTime is great but sometimes you miss those face to face girls night out. People ask me all the time how did I make friends when I first moved to Atlanta. It was hard and I experienced hella awkward moments like walking the streets alone taking pictures like a tourist with no family. I was able to spend more time with myself while building my character. I first started off by signing up to help out at this event. A former Atlanta Hawks basketball player Thabo Sefalosha opened up his first menswear luxury boutique in Buckhead Atlanta. This was a grand opening and I played the role of an Event Assistant. That was so awkward I literally didn't know anyone. I ended up enjoying the vibe. You will be surprised how many people will come up to you trying to learn about your background and how you ended up here.  I decided to share a few ways you can meet some friends after moving miles away to a city where you don't know anyone. 

Sign up for classes

Listen I was so desperate to get into a stilettos dance class to meet other ladies and hype each other up to bring out that inner sex appeal. "Yassssss sis get that sh*t". Attending these classes created a positive environment and it started to become my personal self-care activity. When I first moved to Atlanta I drove 45 mins from my house to attend this class that was hosted by a black lawyer who opened up a dance studio as her second business. Yasssss you know I had to support a sister! I’m so in love with BLACK GIRL MAGIC! Utilize the internet and social media to find different activities that may spark your interest. I’m sure there are local classes being held in your city if its mediation, yoga, acting etc. As you start to attend the classes on a consistent basis you will become familiar with some of the same faces. They may even have some other classes that they attend in the city and that can be a separate link up.

Attend local events

Once you find your niche and interest start to research different meetups and events that are hosted in that particular city. Eventbrite will become your best friend. Moving to Atlanta is when I really started to build my platform so I was eager to get out and network with other creatives. I’ve met the majority of my friends in Atlanta by attending creative blogging networking events or women empowerment events. I found out that almost half the people in the room was from different parts of the city or even new movers like myself. I was so nervous attending the first blogger meet-up that I almost backed out. I made every excuse why I should not attend “the traffic in the city is bad”, “I’m already running late”, “ I don't have a cute outfit.” I had every excuse in the book because I was scared to walk in a room full of women I didn't know. I wasn't sure if I would find someone I can connect with.  Fast forward to today and I met one of my best friends by stepping out of my comfort zones and attending events. So if you moved to a new city and your favorite artist is about to go on tour in that city. Don't avoid purchasing a ticket because you don't know anyone. Attend that concert alone because you will be surprised how many people you will run into that is riding solo. You can experience some of the best vibes with people who share the same interest in music. TURNT SESSION!

Don't sleep on the power of social media

Don’t be afraid to slide in someone DM’s that spark the same interest as you. I’ve met so many dope women on the internet. Social media is a community for us to connect. At first, I thought it was weird to hit up random people that I didn't know on social media. I realized its less awkward when you genuinely engage with someone content and communicate with them consistently. It starts to become more of a natural connection before sliding in the DMs. Now I have women in Atlanta and in different states who always slide in my DM for advice about moving to a new city or just about my journey. I'm always hyped to share because you never know how much of an impact your story can have on someone. I'm sure there is plenty of hashtags out there that can link you to a group of people that share the same interest as you, for example, #atlantabloggers #atldancers #atllawyers etc. Always remember your not alone. This is the era where lots of people are taking a leap of faith by moving to new cities for jobs or change of scenery. I’m sure you can connect and experience the journey together. 

SOLO DOLO Dinners

You will be surprised how many people go out alone for dinner. I started my solo dinner dates when I moved to Atlanta. I got tired of sitting in the house ordering food but wanted to try different bars and restaurants while vibing to some good music. I wanted that atmosphere outside of my home and this forced me to go out alone. One thing I suggest if this is your first time going out to dinner alone sit at the bar area to order your food and drinks. Bar seats can be pretty tight and close in proximity which makes it easier to start small talk with the person next to you. It can be as simple as the server bringing your food out and the sizzling smell lingers over to the people next to you. “Girl that smells sooooo good what did you order?”

Don't be afraid to build your network and create new friendships as you create a new lifestyle in your new city. Always be open-minded and remember there is someone out there looking to build that bond.