Meeting New People and Making New Friends

"Between 18-22 you meet a lot of temporary people." I've never read a quote truer than this. In my hometown I was shy and quiet and stuck to talking to people I knew and felt comfortable with. Since living in New York, I've opened up a lot more and have been way more outgoing. I've met so many great people so far and here are a few things that have worked for me.

  1. NEVER BE AFRAID TO SAY HI - sometimes saying "hi" is all you need to do to start up a great friendship. Of course being in New York sometimes the wrong kind of people can approach you, usually strange men, but they're easy to shrug off. My favorite place to talk to people is of course bars and Even if you don't say hi, start with something simple, like a compliment. (hint: it works 8/10 times).

2. SAY YES TO RANDOM PLANS - living with a bunch of random roommates has had its share of awful and its share of great moments. I've met people who I would have never talked to before in my life if I had just saw them on the street. I've gone to a lot of great bars with these people and I've had a lot of great memories all because I decided to go out. You never know what you're gonna learn and what they are going to be able to show you.

 3. GO OUT ALONE - my favorite thing about New York is how it is 100% acceptable to go out alone. I like to go out with my friends but my favorite thing is going out alone because it allows me to meet new people without having to worry about the burden of a friend. I love that if I want to stay out all night I can or I can hang out with someone after without worrying my friend is down for that. My favorite place to go out alone is either parks or museums, I've met so many random and wonderful people who enjoy solitude in the same way I do, but also enjoy a great conversation with a random stranger.

4. SMILE - this sounds so cheesy, but you would not believe how many people have came up to me to compliment me on my smile or say something about it. Smiling shows your true beauty and shows that you are open to talking to people.

In New York, I've met so many great people, who I would hope knew who they are, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have met them. They've all been wonderful to me and I truly am #blessed.