How Do We Make Friends as a Couple?

So you've just gotten married and are moving into your first home together. Moving to a new neighborhood can be a difficult process for the two of you. Do you dream of those "backyard barbecues" that you see everyone have on TV, surrounded by all of their closest friends? There are a few simple ways to get to know other couples in your area.

Neighbors:

Whatever happened to the friendly neighbors who were at your door with a house warming gift the second you arrive in the neighborhood? If nobody comes around introducing themselves, and perhaps you're a bit to shy to go door-to-door introducing yourselves, try a neighborhood watch meeting or some other social event in your neighborhood. It is a good way to get to know those around you, without having to force yourselves on them by standing in their doorway going "Hi! We're so-and-so and we just moved in". At a neighborhood meeting you would have the chance to meet others your age and talk them up about random things to see if you have a connection. Invite them over for a Sunday brunch one day and get to know them on a more personal level. You will be slowly on your way to that backyard BBQ you have been dreaming of.

"Dating":

Say a friend is now trying to introduce you and your partner to another couple she is friends with. It may not be quite as uncomfortable as a blind date when you were single, but blind dating as a couple can still be a hairy situation. What do you talk about? What if you have nothing in common with the other couple? Look at it this way; at least you still have each other to fall back on!

Choose to meet them out at a restaurant (one that isn't too expensive, but isn't fast food). Conversation should flow fairly smoothly (because you'll be asking things like "Where are you originally from?" and "Where do you work?" etc.) You will know right away if the two of you are not going to enjoy your time with the two of them. If you aren't getting along, be polite, make it through dinner and then you don't have to face them anymore. If you are getting along, great! Then you have possibly ventured into what could be a fantastic friendship with many a backyard barbecue in your future.

Friendships through activities:

If you two love being active and are into trying new sports and outdoor activities, then you have so many possibilities to make new "BBQ" friends! Try playing racket ball together at your local sports center. Lots of couples play together against other couples and this is a great way to get to know new people. And, you know you at least have sports in common with them because you all wouldn't be at a recreation center if you didn't at least have that in common. This is a great way to stay in shape, stay competitive and make some lifelong friendships for the two of you!