MOVING TO A NEW CITY

Starting over and moving to a new city can be an exhilarating yet terrifying experience. The thought of putting yourself out there to make friends and learn a new culture can all seem a bit overwhelming. Whether you are moving a few states away or a million miles away, change is difficult. But with time and patience, any city can be made into your new home and provide a life changing journey.

Making New Friends
When you move to a new city and do not know anyone, making new friends can feel intimidating and sometimes a little awkward. You don’t know if you should be exploring the city’s night life or joining local groups to meet the right people. When first exploring a new city, it is okay to meet people at clubs or bars, but building lasting friendships should be about going beyond just talking to them at parties. Invite them for brunch or coffee to get to know them outside of the partying scene. Or, if night life does not seem like the right fit for you, getting involved in your city is a great outlet for meeting new people. Become a part of the community whether it is through sports, hobbies, or local events. By signing up for activities, you have the opportunity to meet people who share similar interests. Once you have met a few people, the most important thing to remember is to be open, honest, and genuine. Do not be afraid to be yourself because everyone has their own story to tell. Friendships are developed through learning about each other and a sense of closeness. But building long-lasting friendships does not happen overnight. Be patient with nourishing each new relationship and take the time get to know each other. With time, you will discover friends who love you for you and help make your new city feel like home.

First Impressions are Everything
When meeting someone for the first time, we have about 7 seconds to make a great first impression. Unfortunately, we live in a society where we are extremely visual and make snap judgments of people from their appearance or how they dress. The way you shake a person’s hand, your eye contact, and your body language all affect someone’s opinion of you during your first meeting. And when you are moving to a new city, a lot of your interactions are first impressions. So, it is important to take pride in yourself and your image. If you are always seen wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt with stains on it, people will probably assume you are a messy person. Your wardrobe and overall appearance should reflect how you perceive yourself and how you want others to perceive you. Whether you are elegant and chic or you are edgy and bold, your appearance should match your personality. Your clothes are an expression of who you are and should create an accurate first impression. Also, when moving to a new city having a great wardrobe that embodies your personality is extremely helpful during job interviews or simply making new friends. Take the time to build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and is true to who you are.

Learn the Culture
Within each city are a subculture and a set of beliefs that are specific to that area. When moving, you should be immersing yourself in the city’s culture and learning their way of life. But a lot of times we are hesitant to fully adapt to a new culture because we are afraid of losing who we are. But it is about finding a balance between adapting to a new culture and appreciating where you came from. Especially in cities like New York, the subculture is a melting pot of many different cultures, allowing you to keep your old traditions while exploring new ones. Do not feel like you must sacrifice your core values in order to embrace the city’s lifestyle. Adapting and learning a new culture is about creating a new part of you. Dive into the city’s way of life and enjoy the beauty of its culture.

Although creating a life in a new city can be challenging, moving gives you the opportunity to meet inspiring people and grow from new experiences. Don’t let the fear of change stop you from exploring different places. Start the next chapter in your life and see all that a new city has to offer you!

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Phromsavanh is a passionate serial entrepreneur creating business solutions in the industry she knows best — fashion. She is an innovative brand builder with multifaceted expertise in retail, marketing, strategy, business development, and consumer behavior. Phromsavanh is an acclaimed Keynote speaker and enjoys speaking on topics that include — entrepreneurship, minority women in business, leadership, women’s empowerment, E-commerce, shopping habits and personalization, fashion, retail, and motivational ideas for carving a non-conventional path. Contact Monica to have her speak at your company event or conference soon.