There are big ships and small ships, but the best ship of all is friendship
When I told people my intention to move to Durham, a city I had visited only three times in my life (as a child, as a drunken student and for my job interview), on more than one occasion I was told that I was brave. I didn’t think it was particularly brave. I was moving for a job that was a lot less stressful than my current one, to a place that would allow me to be lazier than I ever was in London. As for making friends, how hard could that be? I’d done it before at uni. I’m an outgoing person, who’s easy to get on with, and fun to be around. And I’d be working in a university.
I soon realised it wasn’t as straight forward as that. There are many lovely people at work who I’ve soon got to know, but it’s not like being a student. There’s none of the enforced group socialising (unless you count tea breaks) and people already have their friends outside of work.
And much as I seem ‘outgoing’ moving to a new place has made me realise how shy I can be. True I am absolutely fine once I’m in full flow of conversation, but getting to that point is more difficult than I thought it would be. Making small talk terrifies me.
But I am confident that I will gradually make a friend or two who I can socialise with. I mainly miss having someone to chat with whether over a cuppa, a pint or dinner. If I can find a fellow Liverpool supporter to watch the match with by the beginning of next season I’ll be very happy indeed!
Saying all this I don’t regret moving here. My home and job are both great. I like the slower pace of life. I love Durham. And being so close to my sister and nieces is really lovely. Making a couple of good friends up here would just be the icing on the cake.
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