Have you ever experienced being the new person to a group?
Maybe it was when you were in elementary school and your family relocated to a different school district.
Maybe it was you first job out of college and you had to relocate to a new city.
Maybe it was your desire to finally expand your network and you joined a new organization.
How did you feel?
Were you nervous about the change?
Did self-doubt conquer your initial excitement?
As an adult, it’s harder to make new friends. Mainly because we don’t have as much time to hang out as we once did when we were in school. Adult obligations tend to get in the way. We have less free time.
But when you see a new person in your organization, work, or church, take the first step and reach out. Try to remember how it felt to be new.
You don’t have to commit immediately to a long-term relationship. You may just end up being acquaintances instead of good friends … but you never know. Over time, your relationship may grow stronger – especially if you share common interests.
Keep it simple when meeting someone new. Try the following three things:
→Introduce yourself
→Introduce the new person to other people
→Invite the new person to an event or gathering already planned by your organization, work, or church. (Even if the new person doesn’t accept your invitation, most people appreciate being invited.)
Take the first step when you see someone new. Yes, life is busy and you may not feel you have room for anyone else. Set your concerns aside and try to remember what it felt like to be new. Embrace the opportunity you have to impact someone’s life. You never know, over time that new person may become a very good friend.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”