Moving house is a challenge. Moving to another city is an even greater challenge. No matter that novelty always brings possibilities for a better life, it’s scary, isn’t it? Not even the opportunity for learning a new culture, adopting new habits, besides the chance for a healthier, calmer life, lessen the fear of the still unknown. Moreover, the main thing: beginning life again, leaving behind all that was bad in the old city, neighborhood and house. Sometimes, not even these advantages seem to tranquilize completely those who are going to build a new home in an unfamiliar ambience.

For instance, one of the major worries for someone who is moving to a new town is leaving behind the physical company of friends, which is natural. After all, people can’t be replaced like houses. Missing someone can only be remedied by being with the person again. And that’s the case. Even if the companionship isn’t as frequent as before, the friendship will live on and can be refreshed by occasional visits to each other.

Furthermore, it’s always good to remember that, before building up a friendship, you also went through the experience of meeting and having a relationship with someone until you finally considered him/her a friend. With this in mind, the main thing is to be open to new friendships, and not to despair. There are specific places that facilitate meeting new people, based on the repetition of the meetings: at work, at school, and in the neighborhood around you.

For those who are communicative, any place is good for meeting people, whether on public transport that is often used, or at a bakery or a newspaper stand. However, if you are more timid, a good bet is meeting people who share your interests and passions. For this, it’s a good idea to enroll in a language course, a dancing or singing class, a gym, or whatever your hobby might be.

It’s much easier to have talking points in common with someone who shares your tastes and will be at your side, even if as a stranger at first. Another good bet is frequenting ambiences that are more favorable and receptive to an exchange of words, such as a café near your home, a little bar at happy hour, or outdoor venues, such as parks and squares near your house. Anyway, do not despair! Soon you’ll have someone to share your day with, never forgetting the old friends you left behind.

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In a globalized world, territorial boundaries are becoming smaller, while the amounts of changes are increasing. Our generation moves and lives much longer than our parents’ generation – whatever their age. And a moment of crisis, like what Brazil is going through, leads many people to think about change. Whether it would be a professional question, or simply to escape the insecurity of the big cities. Every change needs a time to be matured and, mainly, an interior preparation to face these new challenges.

First of all, look for your new place of residence. Explore virtual tips on specialized sites or even groups formed in social networks about the new city and the new neighborhood. Look for information with friends or even with the employer – in case you are leaving because of a new job. From there, it’s all about opening up to the unknown and launching into new adventures and encounters.

Know your neighborhood well. Take a day to walk, even walk, through the streets and observe everything that is in your surroundings. The bakery that is a classic of the neighborhood, the newsstand closest to your home, as well as the bars and restaurants that gather neighbors are important landmarks. Leave the shame aside and interact. The simple fact of asking the concierge where the most delicious ice cream parlor of the neighborhood is created creates a feeling of comfort and normality.

Another important point is to maintain a routine. If you always go to the same market you will end up recognizing boxes, securities and even neighbors. This helps you stay familiar with the environment. If by chance you do not know anyone who lives in the same city, how about activating the network of co-workers?

Do not be afraid to say that you are alone. This will help you expand your network of relationships. And if you still cannot find a friend, how about looking for activities outside the workplace? Whether it is a course or a physical activity that interests you, choose something that allows you to get in touch with people with interests similar to yours.

And if Sunday comes and melancholy comes along with it, why not scare away the negative vibe by knowing the sights of the city? It may sound like a beaten program, but it’s not. The more intimacy with the new city you have, the more embraced and welcomed you will feel. The most important thing in a new city is to stop feeling foreign or, in other words, to add belonging to the place.

For example, if you are in São Paulo, do not forget to walk along Avenida Paulista, if you are in Rio de Janeiro, ride a bicycle at Aterro do Flamengo and, if your destination is Brasilia, choose one of the wonderful parks to call of his, like the City Park.

Of course the comparisons with the hometown will always come up. Especially if the culture is different. For these aspects to be minimized, look for a look of generosity toward the new environment. Watch for new opportunities and grow with them. Finding your favorite place will help you feel part of a whole much less lonely.

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