making friends

I remember when I moved into the dorms…I was beyond excited.  Wasn’t everybody? In college and a new found sense of freedom! It was incredibly easy to meet people. As soon as you got in the elevator or walked out of the building. “Hi, I think you live on my floor. I’m so-and-so!”

Fast forward two years post-grad and my once jam-packed social calendar is meager. I am now luckily working in my field on a 40-hour a week schedule and when I’m done working, I want to spend my time surrounded by young professionals with similar interests as me.  I’d say it’s time to make some friends.

But is that easier said than done? Making friends in a post-collegiate environment is a challenge. If I didn’t see people at work and I worked from home, I’d have zero interaction with the outside world. Six years ago, I’d be forced to interact – roommates, dining hall, classes.

If you are trying to meet people, I think rule number one should be to get out and meet people which is why I have been showing my face at a number of events here in Sacramento. I’ve found that the hardest thing has been talking to strangers, especially when you go to an event with a co-worker or friend – one tends to stay in their circle, and I observe it happening to others too.

So far I have three opportunities at events in the next three weeks to meet some people, showcase my awesomeness in hopes that it leads to an encounter past a professional’s mixer.

Does anyone have any advice on meeting people and keeping the connection past the introduction? Are you or someone you know suffering with the same problem?