Friends are everywhere in Austin
I've had such an easy time meeting people here in Austin, it astounds me! In four weeks I've made more friends than I did in nine months living in Seattle.
I think it's because of three things:
- The people here are just way friendlier: When I go running in my neighborhood, strangers say hi to me. New friends quickly introduce me to their friends. People at coffee shops actually start conversations. Men approach women out and about (not in a creepy way). People here are just way more outgoing, and it's delightful.
- I'm more strategic about my friendship efforts: I'm doing Twitter friendship outreach, which I never did in Seattle. I say 'yes' to every friendship opportunity, and it's paying off because everyone I've met has been cool. Every single person!
- I feel like this is 'my city' so I'm putting in more effort: When I go for walks or runs, I sometimes find myself picking up trash here. I never did that in Seattle. I think of Austin as my city, as my home, and I want my home to be beautiful. I want to commit to this community.