The Making Friends Game

[Always Interested]

If you like to bowl, you might want to try a single or mixed league. I use to be a "Bowling Stone" and met some great people. Good luck and "Welcome to Florida"

[Jessuf]

I have noticed the exact opposite in terms of transplants. Everyone I have met here with the exception of a rare few was born and raised in Tampa. When I lived in Boston, it seemed everyone was from all over the country/ the world and eager to meet people. I believe a lot of people in Tampa Bay already have their circle of friends, so they don't seem as open to making new ones. I must confess that though I am friendly and will say hi and make small talk, I am generally not on the lookout to make friends with strangers. I am open to meeting new people, but because I already have friends, I'm don't go out with the goal of making more. Maybe that is how others are?

[SeaSpur]

Originally Posted by Jessuf

I have noticed the exact opposite in terms of transplants. Everyone I have met here with the exception of a rare few was born and raised in Tampa. When I lived in Boston, it seemed everyone was from all over the country/ the world and eager to meet people. I believe a lot of people in Tampa Bay already have their circle of friends, so they don't seem as open to making new ones. I must confess that though I am friendly and will say hi and make small talk, I am generally not on the lookout to make friends with strangers. I am open to meeting new people, but because I already have friends, I'm don't go out with the goal of making more. Maybe that is how others are?

Absolute total opposite experience for me...I'd go as far to say 1 in 10 people I have met are from somewhere other than the Tampa area. My girl and I always act like we have found the last Mohican whenever we find a Tampa native!

I do see your last point...but even in the place where I moved before, while I wasn't looking for BEST friends- I was always eager to meet new people coming into town.

[conrad5158]

I don't think people here are unfriendly, just reserved. I personally don't want to be " friends" with my neighbors. It is very hard to get out of those relationships if they go sour. I have a friendly waving relationship and that is the way I want it.
As other people have stated, having a common interest is a good way to make friends. There is an internet site called meetup.com. They have a lot of different groups such as fitness, book clubs etc. You should check it out.