Q: My husband and I are moving our family to a new community shortly after Christmas. We are not fussy about moving. All of us are enjoying it here and we have heard that the place we are moving to is not as friendly as this community. But our jobs depend on it and putting food on the table is important. What can we do about it?
A: Part of what makes life on the Prairies so fascinating is that each and every one of our small communities has its own personality. Some of them are friendlier than are others, some are progressive and some are more isolated. .
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Your first task is to try to understand the peculiar character of your new home. You do not have to play hockey if you would rather play the piano, but you do have to acknowledge it and if you are into a hockey town then at least support the local team.
While some communities may be friendlier than others, all communities have friendly people. You just have to find them.
Even the friendliest of communities is not likely to reach out to you if you insist on hibernating in your living room.
Reach out and include your family in community events.
Every community has its own set of rules. Some rules might isolate or discriminate those with different ethnic or social orientations.
Prepared for criticism if you be-friend someone in town who is otherwise isolated.
All of us like to be liked, but there is a catch phase to that as well. We prefer to be liked by those people who have taken the time to get to know us. And that is true for your new community.
When you first move into town, you may meet people through your casual contacts but they are not your friends. Friends are those who you meet, with whom you spend time and with whom you share your more significant life experiences.
Building friendships takes time. Don’t expect to find those close and intimate relationships when you first move into town. Let them develop as they will and appreciate them when they do.
I would like to caution you about whatever rumours you have heard about your new home. They may or may not be true.
It is best to figure that out for yourself rather than going in with preconceived biases. It is best to give your new neighbours a chance.
