We were designed for community. We know that man was not made to be alone…and women definitely weren’t! I mean, girl talk is its own language, right?
Sometimes being single takes you to new places, where you’re making a new home on your own. I’ve moved a few times, and in each place I landed, I had to start from scratch when it came to building community around me.
Part of thriving in your single life is blooming where you’re planted, which is a lot easier when you have people around you that you can depend on. And trust me, I know how hard it can be to establish these friendships, especially when you’re feeling like the new kid on the block. So, whether you’ve been in your current city for a while or you just arrived, I’ve got some tips to help you find your people and how to build right where you are.
1. Check out social media groups
I hate to admit it, but social media is a great place to start. From fun local events to groups who share your interests, online is a great place to get plugged into the community around you. Festivals, fundraisers, other singles, hikers or museum-goers, chances are there’s a Facebook group where you can find people in your area to meet up with. Think of this as a search engine to help you get started and get yourself out there.
2. Volunteer
I dare you to find a cause to throw yourself into! Whether you’re helping out at your local soup kitchen or diving into a chair position for a local org, giving your time and talents is an amazing way to meet like-minded individuals. Whatever you choose to do, I guarantee you won’t be the only one who shows up. Plus, doing an activity together is a great way to break the ice, making it much easier to become fast besties.
3. Parties & group hang outs
Parties and group hang outs are great places to meet new friends. Mostly because, if they’re there, they’re probably friends with the friends who invited you, too. Mutual friends make a great springboard for building community!
4. Host
Throw a shindig at your place, darling! Invite people, and invite them to invite someone along as well! I absolutely love hosting girls’ nights. I’ve often invited ladies that I have just met, and I’ve always encouraged attendees to bring a gal pal along. I’ve gotten to watch some epic friendships form in my kitchen, over charcuterie, wine and some much-needed girl time. If you’re willing to open your home and your heart, you can expand your circle and others’ all at the same time!
5. Fitness classes and recreational sports
If you’re not working out in a place where you can make friends, let’s change that! Exercise is something everyone should make time for. When that time can be spent pouring into your health and growing your community, then it’s a double win. As someone who was a fitness instructor for a few years and was a client on the boutique fitness scene long before that, I can honestly say that pure barre introduced me to some of my dearest girlfriends. Plus, knowing that going to the gym also means getting to see some of your favorites makes it much more motivating (just saying!).
6. Church
Your church is the perfect place to put down some extra roots. You can do something organized, like join a committee or help out with an event, or you can be a greeter or start a bible study group. Whatever sounds like fun to you, go for it! It’s rewarding to spend some extra time in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in faith!
7. Neighbors
Go knock on their door, take them some cookies, or ask them if they’d like to get coffee sometime. You’re already living in a community with your neighbors, so you might as well get to know each other. We often miss out on the great connections with people who are literally right next door to us. Talk about how to build right where you are!
I hope this list gives you a little encouragement for places to seek out some supportive community and how to build right where you are. Plus, you never know who someone knows…or who they’ll introduce you to! 😉 If you’re craving community with some fellow single girls, be sure to check out the Single Darlings Co! It’s a place for single women who want to live well while waiting well! Get on the waitlist here.
For more tips on how to build right where you are, check out the blog series A Single Girls 30 AFTER 30 for more tips on building community!
