Sarah Guirguis Many of us have had our fair share of getting used to people approaching us first and inviting us out. The same people seem to complain about lacking the presence of a strong community. In many cases, we’ve forgotten how to initiate and host people well. We don’t even know where to begin if we wanted to plan a space for people to bond and connect more. But if you had a few pointers, why not start with you? Here are five ideas on how to build community.
Cook a meal together.
The strongest bonds are created over a common appreciation for food, and that’s a fact – at least likely. Instead of simply ordering pizza or planning the traditional “dish party”, wouldn’t it be more interesting if you cooked with your friends a meal from scratch? I realize that’s a challenge for some but I think the challenge, in itself, could make your time more enjoyable.
Plan a day trip.
Instead of asking people to commit to days of travel and in order to avoid the hassle. All the while, make sure you make the most of your road trip with your favorite playlists and snacks. Bring along a polaroid camera to capture special memories from the day.
Try out fun classes
Find out what your hobbies are and make time for them by joining a new class or a book club, for example. It’s a great way to meet new people who share your interests. You will probably hit it off, as you bond over something you both like.
Host a themed night.
Whether your friends are into movie marathons, painting or getting competitive over games, you can invite them over and plan all the details ahead of time to make it more memorable than your average hangout. The key is to be intentional and enjoy each other’s company.
Invite people to your normal everyday activities
If you’re walking your pet, going to the gym, stopping for a coffee break or going on an icecream run in the middle of the day, you can always text a friend to join you. It is no secret that quality one-on-one time is also instrumental in building a healthy community.
Come up with seasonal activities.
During Christmas, for example, you can plan to go to concerts or the opera with your friends. In spring, there are book festivals and various outdoor events.
