Finding female friends when you move to a new city

Moving to a new city is tough. I know. I've done it over a dozen times. (Can you say various cities in OH, MN, TX, IN, NC, IL, AL, KY, FL and MI?!) And, I know that the biggest thing I miss when I've moved is my female friends - so it can be lonely (at first!).

So, a little girlfriend advice for moving and losing/finding female friends.

First, stay in touch with your female friends from where you lived previously. You moved so it is your responsibility to make the effort. It is great when they put an effort into staying in touch with you too, but don't lose those friendships because you lost touch with them. And, it will be wonderful to go back and visit with your old gal pals.

New friends in a new city can be a challenge. I worked in an office with all guys once and struggled with finding new female friends. Get active - in the community and physically. I started walking in my neighborhood, took classes (pottery, yoga, etc.) and took a book up to the neighborhood coffee shop. I had to pretend to be more outgoing than I am and ask other women I met for the best local stores or other advice on neighborhood things (new restaurants, upcoming events in the city, etc.). Ask your neighbors if there is a neighborhood book club. If not, start one!

Getting involved is a great way to make friends. Join a gym, volunteer with a local non-profit (often the Sunday paper lists volunteer opportunities), take a cooking class or sign up for a running group. Try the internet and social media ways to connect. Sign up for twitter and find/follow locals - ask them for things to do when you're new to town. Act like a tourist and spend weekends trying out local festivals, museums, parks. Join or plan a tweet-up to meet new people.

And don't discount older or younger women as possible girlfriends. They give a different perspective and can have fun ideas (and friends younger/older than them who would make great potential friends for you). Have fun exploring!

If you have any great girlfriend stories from your move and meeting new friends, please send them in to Girlfriendology.com (my female friendship site). Each month there is a contest for girlfriend stories and you might get some inspiration from the blog and podcasts.

p.s. I found some helpful moving info (and the photo above) at Moving Mage. Good luck girlfriend!