For those who enjoy new adventures and exploration, imagine combining it with the joy of finding love, or even a partner who you simply hit it off with… sounds too good to be true, right? Moving to a new city is probably one of the most underrated daring things you could do. Whether it’s for a new job that made you an offer you couldn’t refuse, or simply because you needed a break from your hometown–moving solo to a brand new place can be really daunting, but hey, it could very well be the start of exploring all the magic that lies outside your comfort zone.
Undeniably, there’s this weird pressure to come across as someone who has a life, which basically means you have things to do, places to be, and aren’t a loser who takes up any recreational offers that come your way–be it in the dating world, or outside it. However, when you move to a new city, it’s the only time your social calendar not being so hectic could actually work wonders for you. There’s no one you know, no one to pass judgement, and it is absolutely okay to say “I’m doing absolutely nothing tonight” when a cute guy asks you to join him for film if you’re free.
Now, let’s just say you befriend a dude and the two of you get along like a house on fire. You’re into him, (because… well, come on… when you’ve just moved to unknown territory, without a solid friend base, even if you don’t exactly reek of desperation, chances are high that you’ll end up getting attached to the first person who makes you comfortable and shows you affection) and he reciprocates. Though the cliche narrative might make you believe that from there onwards, everything goes perfectly well, the dating game in a brand new city can actually become tricky at this point.
How does it become tricky?
Firstly, without realising it, you may end up spending such a significant chunk of your time with your new love interest that you ignore potential friendships around you. You obviously don’t feel the need for anyone else, but think about it, should this relationship flop, that will also mean that your only support system will come crashing down.
That’s the thing about these romantic bonds we form in unfamiliar places, they can start to seem like the only thing that makes the whole move worthy. It’s great while it lasts, but let’s be practical–not every relationship can withstand the test of time, can it? Also, you really want to avoid becoming like those friends we all had back in high school, the kind who’d vanish the minute they got into a relationship.
While the thought of falling head over heels in love with someone in a brand new city can be rather exhilarating, it’s important to make decisions that aren’t hasty. Have fun, swipe right, mingle with whoever you want; just don’t forget to make sure it’s not the only thing that’s making you happy.
