Isn’t that a loaded question?!? When you move away from the only place you ever called home where the only people you have ever called friends live one is faced with the decision to spend time missing everyone and sulking or to put yourself out there and find some new friends.
Well, I have done both.
Trying to find new friends in your mid-thirties in a foreign country, albeit they speak a similar language, is very challenging, humbling and takes a lot of time. Essentially I was transported back to kindergarten where I found myself asking ” do you want to be my friend?”
Photos: Zoe Griffin
SHop the look: Denim // Tunic // boots // bag // jacket
Luckily, I have this fabulous tunic that certainly gives off the “I am so cool please be my friend” vibe! This blush color is becoming one of my favorites for this time of year and this easy flowy tunic is the best of them. It is super warm, as it is a Merino blend, and the length is perfect for either denim or leggings (faux leather leggings <here> would also be fabulous). Be prepared to see these denim jeans many times in the coming months as they are the P E R F E C T denim. I also have them in a darker wash. They fit perfectly, they do not stretch and they are very comfortable. While you can not see it, due to the boots, they have a small bit of distressing which adds a nice flare. You may recognize these OTK boots from this post where I gushed about how much I love them… well I will just say all the same things in this post! I love these boots- I wear them constantly and see no reason not to live in them! This season I am loving them with skinnies and sweaters and especially leggings and tunics. This jacket is 100% my favorite go to- warm, stylish and essential. Unfortunately, this bag is sold out, in this color, but I have linked the same Neverfull in other colors <here> <here>
Making new friends proved to be much more challenging than I originally expected. Sure, I knew I would have to put myself out there, I knew I would have to be the one to initiate conversation with complete strangers and I knew I would have to always be on my best behavior. But what I did not know was how tough it would be to crack through that tough British exterior of so many women. I think coming from Denver where I had a a very very large group of friends created an added layer of disappointment when trying to build a social group here… I had to be reminded that a group of 12-15 best friends is very uncommon… I had to be reminded that having friends for 20+ years is a rarity….
What I found in return was a few very special, amazing, inspiring friends. What I found were ladies who organically chose to be my friend- there is no history holding them to me What I found was a commonality of like mindedness, of similar morals and of zero preconceptions. I have meet some AMAZING women, I have re-connected with acquaintances who have turned into best friends and I have spent time with ladies who continuously inspire me.
What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.
SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // TUNIC // BOOTS // BAG // JACKET
While I miss my friends in Denver and I miss some of the comforts of life long friendships I am so amazed by the woman I call friends here in London. I am happy to report that not all British women have a cold exterior. Many of my friends are also expats, like myself, but many are not. But at the end of the day I have built a collection of supportive, hysterical, caring and adventurous friends… Cheers Ladies!
With Love,
