Welcome to Florence…

Recently someone asked me the best way to meet people and become a member of the Florence community. That is a pretty loaded question, and many different areas. My first response is usually that you join a church. That is actually a standard answer for many towns, join a church, meet people, get involved. However, not everyone is looking for a church, or maybe they have a church in Columbia, or they don’t like the people at their church…whatever. There are certainly other ways to meet people.

I think that then you look to other avenues where you can meet a lot of people at once. Honestly, it is hard to make new friends when you are an adult. Interests differ, politics differ, religions differ, and it is harder to sort through all that and find out if you are compatible friends. With childhood friends, friendship comes first. We then figure out who we are and we generally still like each other regardless of politics and religion.

Reach out to those advertising to help: One place to start is the Florence Welcoming Club. This group appears to offer a lot of different options for getting to know one another. They also have a book club that was featured in Jill Smolinski’s blog. Here is a list of 19 Florence meet up groups. These groups vary greatly, but there might be something there that strikes your interest. I know it is difficult to make that first call, so send an email if possible… it paves the way to an easier conversation. Here is a Florence Kids Playgroup for Christian moms.

Volunteer: Right now, the economy is in turmoil and groups everywhere are laying off workers. Even if you work, you can volunteer at night and on weekends. Too tired? Well, don’t you want to meet people? You can join an organization like the Florence Junior League, Pee Dee Area Big Brothers Association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Lions Club, the Pee Dee Business and Professional Women’s Network, and a long list of others. I have personally been a guest at many of those clubs. I didn’t join all of them, of course, but at each one I met people, made contacts, shook hands. Every one of those clubs? WANTS NEW MEMBERS!! They WANT you to join them! It is a win/win situation, you just have to find the proper fit for you.

Get outside: You should also assess what you are interested in. Do you like biking? Hiking? Head out to Naturally Outdoors and Bicycle World. Check out their websites for events, ask the folks working there if they know of any hikes. Check out the Pedal Pack (though these are not people on three speeds and beach cruisers).

Work it Out: Join a gym. Florence has some great options, you just have to find the right one for you. Mcleod Health & Fitness, the Fitness Forum, Curves, and others. The Florence YMCA is a gym, but has lots of other things you may be interested in as well. I meet other moms at tee-ball, soccer, basketball… you share a lot while your kids are running around on the court.

Get on facebook and check out all of the groups related to Florence, SC. Join mine or friend me while you are there.

It isn’t easy to move to a new town. I know that at times Florence can seem small and closed… but it isn’t. We have so many new people in town that it is amazing. I used to go out to eat and know everyone in the restaurant. Now, I am surprised when I see a few people that I know.

So, get out there! Life anywhere is only what you make of it.