Having trouble making new friends

Anonymous

October 8,2022 at 11:54AM UTC

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Having trouble making new friends

Good day,

I started a job two weeks ago at company. A past classmate of mine works there but I am hesitant to interact with her and her clique(group of coworkers that have known and worked with each other for years) because they're a bit different from me in terms of their lifestyle, topics of discussion etc. I feel a bit left out most times when they are all in a group chatting and I'm always by myself especially during lunch . Note that I have have always kept to myself in every company that I've worked at this, but I want to be more social at this point in time. Any advice?

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AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 12:18PM UTC
You have to put yourself out there! They may have common interests that you aren't aware of. If they don't like you for you then you don't need them. I've had success with Bumble BFF with finding people around me with common interests to talk and hang out with!
Debra SesholtzOctober 8,2022 at 3:31PM UTC
Sounds like you need to step out of your comfort zone... never easy. Keep your interactions with your former classmate and her clique light. As already mentioned, you may find common topics to discuss. What about others at the office? Maybe ask someone in another department for a short coffee meeting saying you are trying to meet people at the company since you are new. Ask them about what they do and how you might interact with them. It takes time to meet people when you’re new. All the best in your new role!
AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 3:45PM UTC
Take it slow. But also assess why you are doing it, if you are trying to build a genuine rapport with your peers, do it at a pace you are comfortable with.
AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 2:21AM UTC
Everyone I work with is different from me but it was important for me to connect.
It's a slow process but after a few months I am making friends, sharing laughter and getting to share common ground. I look for similarities rather differences. That seems to open up connections.