When I moved to a new town and I was ready to make friends I held a small party and invited people I knew, even if I only a little bit, this started better friendships. I learned many of these friends I invited were busy people and did not have time to be best buddies however we had we are still friends through our common interests and social media. I have friends that I meet more often. I find these days most people are too busy but appreciate some communication through social media or nice text messages. When I come across a nice restaurant or cafe or if there is a interesting event happening; I ask people I have met recently or known each other for a long time. Some people are very cautious of giving out their contact details and I get to know them better through a common interest activity first. I also believe a friend, is a friend when you are in your worst state or situation. I offer to help others if I can and also tolerate any poor manner that arises accidentally. Kindness is cool 😎
Kindness is cool—and an art form, I think! Loved hearing your experience, Trisha—just goes to show openness, thoughtfulness and sending the invitation should never be underestimated. Also love how you honour the various degrees of connections we can have. I'm reminded of the quote Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one." 🫶
Love everything you write, Madeleine! As someone who has moved from Sydney to London and back again, this hit home. Looking forward to getting settled in my own space soon, and souping it up. 💛
Gabriela, look at us going back and forth, living somewhat paralleled lives! Would have been delightful to have crossed paths in London, but I'm so pleased to come across your newsletter now, and do let me know how you go souping it up 🥣🫶
I keep finding myself waiting to read your words, Madeleine :)
This one took me right back to our 1-on-1 session last year and to all those podcast episodes of Social life with friends, I listened to during my evening walks. Looking forward to more.
Always a delight to have you reading and listening! Thank you for following along even as the cadence ebbs and flows—I'm looking forward to sharing more of the lessons from the last year 🦋
Lovely post but just, FWIW, I've had a very different experience.
I'm not particularly extroverted or outgoing but I’ve lived in thirteen cities, four countries and I always make lots of friends. I've never been one for inviting people to my house but meeting them for lunch or at the pub has worked for me.
It's usually people I work with who become friends, or parents of my kids’ friends or people I play football with. Here in Bristol, it has been people I met at the pub.
Since I’ve been back in England, I’ve had about a dozen visitors from California, five from Malta and one from Portland. I’ve had several friends from school come and even one from primary school who I haven't seen for fifty years.
I’m not suggesting for a moment that my way is better than yours (whatever works for you!) but my way is very, very different.
Ah I love this post! I feel like I have so many 1s in the city I live in and really crave the communal aspect of friendship. Definitely going to be taking ideas from friend soup!
Madeleine!! That brought back memories of the salad swap in Brooklyn. ❤️ Miss your face! Hope all is well. PS I’m back in the Canary Islands, lmk when you’re back in Europe? Xo
When I moved to a new town and I was ready to make friends I held a small party and invited people I knew, even if I only a little bit, this started better friendships. I learned many of these friends I invited were busy people and did not have time to be best buddies however we had we are still friends through our common interests and social media. I have friends that I meet more often. I find these days most people are too busy but appreciate some communication through social media or nice text messages. When I come across a nice restaurant or cafe or if there is a interesting event happening; I ask people I have met recently or known each other for a long time. Some people are very cautious of giving out their contact details and I get to know them better through a common interest activity first. I also believe a friend, is a friend when you are in your worst state or situation. I offer to help others if I can and also tolerate any poor manner that arises accidentally. Kindness is cool 😎
Kindness is cool—and an art form, I think! Loved hearing your experience, Trisha—just goes to show openness, thoughtfulness and sending the invitation should never be underestimated. Also love how you honour the various degrees of connections we can have. I'm reminded of the quote Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one." 🫶
thank you 🙏 I have very good friends 😊
Love everything you write, Madeleine! As someone who has moved from Sydney to London and back again, this hit home. Looking forward to getting settled in my own space soon, and souping it up. 💛
Gabriela, look at us going back and forth, living somewhat paralleled lives! Would have been delightful to have crossed paths in London, but I'm so pleased to come across your newsletter now, and do let me know how you go souping it up 🥣🫶
Wow I am so thrilled you replied to me!!! Maybe next time I’m in Melbs (or if you’re ever in Syd) we can meet for a soup! 💛
I keep finding myself waiting to read your words, Madeleine :)
This one took me right back to our 1-on-1 session last year and to all those podcast episodes of Social life with friends, I listened to during my evening walks. Looking forward to more.
Always a delight to have you reading and listening! Thank you for following along even as the cadence ebbs and flows—I'm looking forward to sharing more of the lessons from the last year 🦋
Beautiful - I look forward to reading more!
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful and encouraging post.
It's a pleasure to serve! 🥣
Lovely post but just, FWIW, I've had a very different experience.
I'm not particularly extroverted or outgoing but I’ve lived in thirteen cities, four countries and I always make lots of friends. I've never been one for inviting people to my house but meeting them for lunch or at the pub has worked for me.
It's usually people I work with who become friends, or parents of my kids’ friends or people I play football with. Here in Bristol, it has been people I met at the pub.
Since I’ve been back in England, I’ve had about a dozen visitors from California, five from Malta and one from Portland. I’ve had several friends from school come and even one from primary school who I haven't seen for fifty years.
I’m not suggesting for a moment that my way is better than yours (whatever works for you!) but my way is very, very different.
To friendships!!
Ah I love this post! I feel like I have so many 1s in the city I live in and really crave the communal aspect of friendship. Definitely going to be taking ideas from friend soup!
Madeleine!! That brought back memories of the salad swap in Brooklyn. ❤️ Miss your face! Hope all is well. PS I’m back in the Canary Islands, lmk when you’re back in Europe? Xo