Expanding Your Circle

Contributed by Karie

Over the years, I’ve learned just how important it is for a single girl to diversify her social circle. Different friends produce difference experiences, places, opportunities, and new faces. Diverse experiences allow you to showcase aspects of your own personality and interests that you may not have in common with your usual group of pals.

If you find it difficult to make new friends, try www.meetup.com. Here, you’ll find interest groups categorized by almost all possible characteristics (e.g., geography, age, hobbies, professions, race, social status). Most groups meet in public places and require specific identifiers (photos, email verification, etc) to ensure safety.

Being outside of my normal clique takes me outside of my comfort zone. Being uncomfortable gives me motivation to do the things I normally wouldn’t do.

This summer, I joined a meetup for tennis lovers in my geographic area and one for young professionals in my metropolitan area. I found a few new associates and created more opportunities for my Mr. Right to find me.

Expanding your circle affords you more opportunities to attend events, meet new people, and try new skills—it helps you to continue to blossom and grow.

About the contributor: Karie (pronounced like Marie with a “K) is a single, 20-something living in the DC Metropolitan area. Professionally, she works as a technical writer. Outside of the office, she enjoys graphic design, creative writing, reading, and tennis. Please contact her at tracykarie@yahoo.com.