It’s funny how very, very different people can be in social situations. Some stand idly by while others around them laugh, converse, and generally socialize. Others are the life of the party. They are extremely extroverted.
If you will soon be moving into a retirement community, you may be experiencing a bit of anxiety as to how you’re going to develop new senior living friendships. Will you be on your own or will you get a little bit of help from the community itself? To define your own circle of friends, how long might it take?
Here are a few suggestions to help you in your pursuit.
Many Friendships Begin at the Table
Many of today’s independent living communities offer a dining experience that is second to none. With chef-prepared meals, delicious and nutritious culinary delights, and a presentation that rivals five-star fine dining establishments, showing up for meals is a pleasure. It’s also a good place to make new friends. Find an open spot at the table – for your first visit to the dining room – and gently work yourself into conversations with the people also seated there. This is your first step toward getting to know new people in your new community.
Amazing friendships can come from casual interactions such as this. Talk about the food, where it’s from, trips you may have taken when you were first introduced to a specific type of cuisine, and more.
It All Starts with One Friend
Every journey begins with one small step. The same can be said for making friends in your new environment. The small step being referred to here is, of course, making just one friend. Many doors can be opened after you successfully accomplish that. They can then introduce you to a group of people who have similar interests. Then again, they may become your absolute best friend for the rest of your life and, though you will both have other friends in the community, you will always have this individual as an important touchstone in your life.
Involvement Is Encouraged
Try not to get discouraged if you don’t make friends right away. But to get the ball rolling, get involved in some activities, programs, etc. If there’s a book group or some hobby groups that interest you, it’s particularly important you get involved in those. That way, you’ve already got one interest in common with the others in the group. It might be harder to make friends in larger groups, so you may want to stick with smaller gatherings at first.
How Did You Make Friends When You Were Younger?
Try to remember, back when you were younger, how you made friends at a new school or in a new neighborhood. How did you do it? A great place to start is your first point of contact – your neighbors.
You may simply want to say “hello” after knocking on the door of a neighbor. From there, you can get started in the right direction by finding things you have in common and talking about those first.
Here’s a great place to make friends in a retirement setting…
You Will Have No Problem Making Friends at Conservatory At North Austin
Conservatory At North Austin offers exceptional senior living in one of Texas’s most renowned areas for live music and culinary delights. Our residents enjoy community life with numerous opportunities for socialization as well as always having the opportunity to engage in fitness programs, activities, trips into town, and much more. There’s never a shortage of something to do – unless you’d simply like to spend some free time reading a book in your room. It’s all up to you. Look through our photo gallery online or schedule a tour to see what we have to offer.
