Making New Friends When Moving

In a lifetime, you will probably move up to 12 times. Moving to a new place can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common difficulties people face when relocating is the struggle to meet new friends. In this post, we will delve into the reasons why individuals who move often find it harder to establish new social connections. To shed light on this topic, we will explore some compelling statistics that highlight the impact of moving on friendship-building.

The Impact of Frequent Relocation

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 11.2% of people living in the U.S. move each year. This constant movement can disrupt social circles that have already been solidified. Where time has been invested, and memories have been made, it becomes more challenging to establish new friendships.

Time Constraints

Moving to a new place often involves adjusting to a new job. 8.5% of Americans will move to start a new job opportunity. There are many obstacles, such as finding a place to live and handling various logistical tasks. These time-consuming activities can leave individuals with limited time and energy to invest in socializing and meeting new people.

Breaking Established Social Circles

When people move, they leave behind established social circles, including friends, family, and colleagues. This disruption can lead to feelings of isolation, making it harder to build new connections. Imagine going from Pre-K all the way through Senior year with your best friends, then starting all over. The good news is that people who move are open to meeting new friends. Actually, stats show that around 45% of people who move want to meet new friends and establish meaningful relationships.

The Fear of Rejection

Moving to a new place means stepping out of one’s comfort zone. In a new place, everyone is a stranger. In order to form new friendships, people have to connect with others that they have not yet met. This can be intimidating, as individuals may fear rejection or feel uncertain about how they will be perceived by others. Also, when moving to a new area, people often encounter cultural differences, even if they are small differences. These differences may include: different hobbies than you are used to, a different lifestyle or schedule, different housing types, different religions, or different food choices. Surprisingly, research shows that people who live on the East Coast are lonelier than those who live in Central America. So just because a population is larger in one area, doesn’t mean you are less lonely.

Lack of Familiarity

Moving to an unfamiliar location means individuals may not have a clear understanding of the local culture, social norms, or popular hangout spots. This lack of familiarity can make it more challenging to initiate conversations and find common ground with potential friends. This could be particularly challenging if you move to a foreign country and have a language barrier as well.

Relocating to a new place undoubtedly presents unique challenges when it comes to meeting new friends. It’s important to remember that building new friendships take time and effort. By actively seeking out social opportunities, joining local groups or clubs, and maintaining an open and friendly attitude, individuals can increase their chances of forming meaningful connections in their new environment. Apps like Spinnr make it easy to feel less lonely and meet other individuals with similar hobbies and interests. Members can find friends both locally and abroad. Not only can you chat with new people in groups or in direct messages, but you can also go to events with your new friends in your new location.  An estimated 82% of new members on Spinnr say it’s easy to meet new friends on the app when moving to a new city. If you’re someone who is currently moving or have recently moved to a new city/town, then come and meet some new friends on Spinnr!