We are hopefully moving back to Oz next yr oct 2010, We have 4 children, my hubby is an ozzy. My main worry is how easy it is to make friends who you can call friends? Has anyone had good bad experience? I'd like to hear. Im just worried that we may not make pals!!!

Any advise would be helpful

thanks
Lisa:redface:

 

Hiya i think the first thing you have to remember is lots of the friends you are leaving behind have been friends for years, you cannot make new friendships like this in a few weeks/months.

I find the aussies really friendly and they will chat if you greet them with a smile and chat to them. You have the added bonus of having children, most of our friends we have met via the kids.
My advice is to take up every opportunity/invitation you get even if its not really your cup of tea,,, you might meet people there you really ''click'' with.
When the kids are invited to parties etc, don't drop and run, stay and chat with the other parents. The same goes for sports and after school activities.
We have been here nearly 3 years and i have 3 or 4 good friends i can really rely on, they understand i have no family support here in the country and they jump at the chance to help me if i get stuck with the kids, want some ME time or need a night out with hubby, of course i always return the favor.

I think you will be fine, don't have expectations of replacing your good friends in the UK within your first few months here and don't be scared of starting a conversation with a stranger,,the accent sure works in our favor when conversation starting.lol
Good Luck
Cal x

 

Hi Lisa

I think you have had some good advice from Cal. We started in Sydney and were there fore 5 years before moving up to Brisbane, so we had to start all over again twice! I found both in Sydney and Brisbane that during my first year I made friends with everyone and anyone! It was at that point I realised that most of the people I had little in common with.....and then i started making REAL friends. I have a handful of people who i would describe as good friends, the sort I can call up for a natter or have a moan to and then i have lots of other people who I know socially in groups.

Just come with an open mind and you will be fine I am sure.

Love

Rudi
x

 

Hi

Thank you for your reply to my post. Reading that has really made me feel alot more confident!
I just wasnt sure how welcoming the ozzies were with us pommies settling in their country.

Your right I will miss my pals, but meeting new people is quite exciting.

Thanks again Lisa