Electoral Member
Posts: 318 
Location: Atikokan, Ontario
Location: Atikokan, Ontario
January 12th, 2007, 11:28 AM
Sometimes it takes a while to make friends, that's for sure. When I moved to a different community twice, I found it difficult to make friends, but it will come naturally, it just takes some time and some patience (a little prodding doesn't always hurt either).
Talk to those you work with in a friendly manner; the place I used to work we'd go out once every couple of months to celebrate something, even if it was just drinks. Arrange a poker night once a month, or host a housewarming party the next time your wife comes into town; small things like that will get people talking about you, and people talking to you. These are the bonds of friendship that cannot simply appear, they must be planted and cared for.
You should be lucky, with your British accent you've got a natural talking point. People here are drawn to those with a unique characteristic about you; if you get them into a small localized setting, you've got a ton you can talk about. Likewise, you can seek advice from them about making your life easier in Canada. I've found the best friendships are based on those with a good rapport and those where the friendship is based on guidance and mentorship, in addition to sharing common interests.
My advice is to engage in conversation, and then to be a good listener. Take what they've said and find common interests that can spawn wonderful conversation. People respect those who not only listen, but can remember what they've said. If you do that, you'll find what you're looking for.
Sometimes it takes a while to make friends, that's for sure. When I moved to a different community twice, I found it difficult to make friends, but it will come naturally, it just takes some time and some patience (a little prodding doesn't always hurt either).
Talk to those you work with in a friendly manner; the place I used to work we'd go out once every couple of months to celebrate something, even if it was just drinks. Arrange a poker night once a month, or host a housewarming party the next time your wife comes into town; small things like that will get people talking about you, and people talking to you. These are the bonds of friendship that cannot simply appear, they must be planted and cared for.
You should be lucky, with your British accent you've got a natural talking point. People here are drawn to those with a unique characteristic about you; if you get them into a small localized setting, you've got a ton you can talk about. Likewise, you can seek advice from them about making your life easier in Canada. I've found the best friendships are based on those with a good rapport and those where the friendship is based on guidance and mentorship, in addition to sharing common interests.
My advice is to engage in conversation, and then to be a good listener. Take what they've said and find common interests that can spawn wonderful conversation. People respect those who not only listen, but can remember what they've said. If you do that, you'll find what you're looking for.
Genius
Posts: 768
January 13th, 2007, 11:36 AM
I lived in Edmonton for a year and finally at the end of the year, when I'd had enough and was packing up to move, everyone I'd tried to befriend was suddenly calling. Bad timing, I suppose. My daughter lived there for a year and made tons of friends. She went to church ... seems like a good way to meet people.
I lived in Edmonton for a year and finally at the end of the year, when I'd had enough and was packing up to move, everyone I'd tried to befriend was suddenly calling. Bad timing, I suppose. My daughter lived there for a year and made tons of friends. She went to church ... seems like a good way to meet people.
Electoral Member
Posts: 141
January 13th, 2007, 12:01 PM
I've lived here, on and off, for 25 years. I initially moved here after my parents broke up many moons ago. It was a very difficult transition for my brothers and I but we had the advantage of still being in school. Unlike a previous poster, after high school, I lost contact with everyone I met. Don't know where they are or what they're doing.
I found, actually, that the friends I have made I've met at work. While I'm not shy, I do take a while to become comfortable in most situations. It's funny, when I moved to Vancouver one time, I started a job and it took about 6 months or so for me to actually socialize with co-workers. After they got to know me, they told me that they thought I was "stuck up" and knew now that I wasn't - just "reserved". So, maybe there are more of us "reserved" people out there than I thought.
Any hoo - patience is the key. For the most part, people here are really friendly. Often you need to take the initiative (and I find that difficult, thus the "stuck up" thing???) dunno.
I work right down town (Bell Tower) so it'd be difficult to meet u for coffee for for lunch. You'd likely want to meet someone closer to your age in any event
There are lots of volunteer opportunities as well. Edmonton is known for it's volunteers too I might add. You could contact a Edmonton Volunteer Agency by calling 211 for community services and they should be able to assist you. Volunteering, as you know, can put in in touch with like-minded people so you have something in common right off the bat!!
Good Luck!!
Dixie
Quoting hermanntrude
Welcome to Edmonton! It's a great city to live in and you will enjoy your time here. I agree that it's sometimes difficult to meet people and it does take time.
Hi I've just moved into Edmonton. living near Whyte avenue. I am from england and my wife lives a 12 hour drive north of here. people at work don't seem to socialise or speak much. Anyone out there fancy gaining a new friend? or got any suggestions as to how i might make some? I tried joining a book club but their email got sent back... i'm considering volunteering but dont knwo what to do
I've lived here, on and off, for 25 years. I initially moved here after my parents broke up many moons ago. It was a very difficult transition for my brothers and I but we had the advantage of still being in school. Unlike a previous poster, after high school, I lost contact with everyone I met. Don't know where they are or what they're doing.
I found, actually, that the friends I have made I've met at work. While I'm not shy, I do take a while to become comfortable in most situations. It's funny, when I moved to Vancouver one time, I started a job and it took about 6 months or so for me to actually socialize with co-workers. After they got to know me, they told me that they thought I was "stuck up" and knew now that I wasn't - just "reserved". So, maybe there are more of us "reserved" people out there than I thought.
Any hoo - patience is the key. For the most part, people here are really friendly. Often you need to take the initiative (and I find that difficult, thus the "stuck up" thing???) dunno.
I work right down town (Bell Tower) so it'd be difficult to meet u for coffee for for lunch. You'd likely want to meet someone closer to your age in any event
There are lots of volunteer opportunities as well. Edmonton is known for it's volunteers too I might add. You could contact a Edmonton Volunteer Agency by calling 211 for community services and they should be able to assist you. Volunteering, as you know, can put in in touch with like-minded people so you have something in common right off the bat!!
Good Luck!!
Dixie
