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Great ways to meet people and beat the Seattle Freeze
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You don't need to attend name tag events to make
friends in a new city. // (c) M. Dykstra - Fotolia.com
When I moved from New York to Seattle, the first thing I noticed is just how nice everyone is around here. As far as I knew, people didn't ask if you needed help out with your groceries unless they were going to mug you.
I still remember the first time a driver stopped an entire lane of oncoming traffic just so I could make a left turn. I was speechless ... and that doesn't happen to Jersey girls (or Jersey drivers) too often.
The problem is, that's where things plateaued before the Seattle Freeze set in. Despite the niceness, it's notoriously tough being a newcomer looking to meet people and forge friendships in Seattle. So here are a few suggestions on how to beat the freeze while having fun:
1.) Volunteer - Volunteering is a lot like making new friends - it requires commitment and deep interest. Some of my closest friendships in Seattle are a result of my volunteer work for an organization called Chaya. Not only is it a cause I believe in - but they're people who share my beliefs and passions. And Seattle has no shortage of amazing non-profits in need of a helping hand.
2.) Take a Class - This is another great way to meet people who share your interests while making productive use of your time. Whether it's Bollywood dancing or business courses, classes require you to see the same people week after week - that's half of the battle right there. Plus, you can learn a new skill (like hot new dance moves).
3.) Audition for a Community Team or Ensemble - Got talent? Then put it to good use. You don't need to be the next Maradona or Yo Yo Ma to join community soccer teams or orchestras, for example. And there are groups for varying degrees of skill and commmitment, so it's just a question of finding the right fit for you.
4.) Join a Special Interest Club - Sometimes you just have to pay your dues. Becoming a member of something like the Northwest Sierra Club if you're passionate about hiking can get you out and exploring while making new friends. There are also other types of clubs you could look into -- like joining the book discussion group at Third Place Books.
Finally, if you're still feeling stumped, sites like Meetup.com make it easy to organize or find a gathering of like-minded folks. It might not be a surefire solution, but it's a proactive way of putting yourself out there and thawing out from the Seattle Freeze.
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