Some of you may have heard about the “Seattle Freeze” which is the theory that it’s harder for people to make friends in Seattle because the locals are more closed off and less welcoming. I talk a little bit about this topic in one of my vlogs, but I also wanted to share some ideas to help people who are new to the area or may be struggling to find or make friends!

🕺🏻 Join a Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp Group or Community

If you’re an outdoorsy or sporty person, then you’re in luck! A lot of people like hiking, rock climbing, and skiing here. Try searching up and joining groups like “Seattle Hiking” or “Making Friends in Seattle” (note: I haven’t tried this personally but I’ve heard some of my friends talk about these types of communities). Pssst… if you’re an early-in-career at Microsoft, there’s a “not-so-secret” Facebook group that you can join to connect, make friends, and get your questions answered!

Here are a couple groups that my friends have started:

• Chai & Chat Seattle for ladies who are new to or looking to make friends in Seattle
• Careerwomin for women of colour that are in the STEM scene

🌻 Join an ERG

Many companies have employee resource groups (ERG) that serve different communities. For example, Microsoft has 9 different groups like Blacks at Microsoft, Asians at Microsoft, and Women at Microsoft. These ERGs often have events to network and opportunities to volunteer. Personally, I’ve met some really great people through these “extracurricular” activities and it’s opened up many doors (Fun Fact: I can now say that I’ve met and sung Happy Birthday to the author of Crying in H-Mart, Michelle Zauner!)

🚴🏻‍♀️ Find a similar interests group

Your workplace likely has many informal group chats or similar interest groups that go for lunch or do activities (like sports) together. Ask around or dig through your company intranet to find these pocket communities. Often times, you’ll get spammed with opportunities to meet up and do random things together!

Personally, I’ve found and bonded with other gals who love content creation and career development and I meet up with them every so often to swap ideas and inspiration ✨

🏆 Volunteer and give back to the community

Volunteering can be such a rewarding use of your time. There are so many non profit organizations and communities that need help with planning, executing, and marketing their events. Put your skills to use or build new skills by joining event teams or organizing committees while meeting people with similar interests!

Check out and volunteer for BobaTalks if you’re interested in student mentorship + bubble tea 🧋

🤹🏽‍♀️ Look for “alumni”

Find people who have had or are having similar experiences to you. For example, I’ve met so many “Canadians who moved to the U.S. to work in Big Tech” and bonded with them almost immediately! On the more professional side, you could also try searching up alumni who went to your university or college and asking them to grab coffee (or bubble tea).

🙌 JUST SHOW UP

Showing up is the most important part of making new friends. If you don’t show up, you’re missing out on new conversations and shared moments. Trust me when I say that there are events and activities going on ALL THE FREAKING TIME (we have a great music scene btw 🎶), you just need to look for them and show up!

Say yes to things, even if you feel a little awkward and have no idea if you’ll enjoy the activities #GROWTHMINDSET. Find a buddy (or buddies) to try new things with. Don’t be afraid of rejection because if it’s meant to be, it will be… those who are worth your time will make an effort to show up!

😎 HAVE FUN!

I hope this blog post was helpful in giving you some ideas for socializing in Seattle—TBH these tips apply wherever you go. I’m aware that this can be tougher for those who are more introverted, but you could try starting small (e.g. finding 1 person to eat lunch with at work instead of joining a big group lunch). Also, don’t be afraid to ask around… people are generally there to help and connect you with others if they are aware of your common interests or experiences.