Four tips to make new friends in St. Thomas by Amarachi Kejeh
This year marks my third year in St. Thomas. When my hus- band and I moved to town, we were excited for a fresh start in a smaller community and eager to build meaningful connections. To our surprise, we made more friends in two months here than we did in two years living in the GTA! But that didn’t happen by accident. Making friends in a new place takes intention and a bit of courage. If you are new to town or just looking to feel more connected, here are four It is easy to feel like an outsider in a new town. But what you believe and tell yourself matters. If you see this as a welcoming place, believe that you have something valuable to offer, and trust that good people are out there, you’ll be more open to connection. We are Nigerian, and in a small town like this, we often stand out. But we have learned to embrace it. You belong here. Own that truth! 2. Soul search Before diving into every event or group, take a moment to reflect. What kind of relationships are you hoping to build? Deep friendships? Activity buddies? A supportive professional network? Think about your identity, your culture, faith, age, life stage, interests, and what matters most to you. When you know what you need, you will recognize the right doors or feel bold to create ones when they don’t exist. simple tips that worked for us. 1. Start with your mindset
3. Do some research Now that you know what you are looking for, it’s time to find out what is out there. Ask around. Your neighbour, the library staff, local business owners, or your barista might point you to something great. Online tools are also helpful. Google, Eventbrite, and Face- book groups like The St. Thomas Happenings can point you to community events, interest groups, and classes. A little curiosity goes a long way. 4. Take brave steps Friendships start with small, intentional actions. Attend that event, even if it feels a little awkward. You don’t have to meet a dozen people, just start with one or two. Smile and say hello to someone new. If the vibe is right, ask to add them online, exchange numbers, or plan a coffee meetup. Building friendships is like planting seeds. It grows with time and care. Making new friends as an adult can feel hard, but it is absolutely possible. Be open, be intentional, and remember that community doesn’t just happen. It is created, one connection at a time.
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Page 50 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2025
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