I cannot prescribe medication, however my prescription for happiness pad includes friendships. Men and women gather and retain friends differently. This blog will focus on women. Specifically how to meet, cultivate and retain friendships.
Every 7 years women replace half of their friends. So we are constantly on the lookout for a new potential BFF. Think of friendships as a food pyramid. We need to be exposed to many women in different settings such as work, mom groups, yoga class, association network, house of worship,etc.
Luckily for us in the digital age not only online dating has brought couples together but also forged friendships that might not have had opportunities to develop otherwise. Here is a list of sites that can help you meet friends in a city near to you:
www.meetup.com their moto neighbors getting together to learn something, do something, share something
www.girlfriendcircles.com – is an online community that connects women to new local friends
www.meetup.com – neighbors getting together to learn something, do something, share something
www.meetin.org – their mission is to make friends in the real world, without the pretense of establishing business connections.
www.napw.com network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, and empower.
www.girlfriendsocial.com Girlfriend Social is website that connects women with new platonic female friendships.
Other forums may include places of worship, political groups, community volunteering, book clubs such as http://www.readerscircle.org. If you are interested in quilting, find a quilting class. Branch out and audition potential friends.
It is normal to feel intimidated by new events and reaching out to unfamiliar people, take a deep breath and know that others there will feel the same. You can expect the host to come over and introduce you to others. Keep in mind you do have something in common with these women since you live in close proximity and came to meet people. Present yourself authentically at the mixer by asking questions and sharing information about yourself.
