Meetup.com

 Meetup

Meetup.com.
Really, it's probably not what you're thinking! No, it's not a dating site. Meetup.com is possibly one of the smartest, most resourceful websites out there. Founded right after the events of September 11th, Meetup.com was created to help bring people together. Whether you're looking for people in your city who love playing lacrosse, to girls who love to go out and do fun adventurous things, Meetup.com can link you up with people of similar interests. One of our Co Founders, Karen, used this website when she moved to Seattle after graduating and it wasn't easy to meet girlfriends in the real world (aka after sorority life). Realizing how convenient the site was, Karen ended up starting her own Meetup group!

So how does it work? It's pretty simple. Go to Meetup.com and register. Once you're registered, select 'Find a Meetup Group'. Then, type in the city you are looking to join a group in including key words of the type of group you're interested in finding. Example: If you are moving to Chicago and want to find women who love to do Yoga, type in the key words 'women' and 'yoga'. Press search and a list of Meetup groups centered around Yoga in Chicago will appear. If you don't see a group catered to your interests, you have the ability to start your own group!

We love the story behind Meetup.com in the wake of September 11th and it reminds us the power of knowing and appreciating your neighbor. Meetup.com is awesome and helps you to meet like-minded individuals, so if you are new to a city, seeking new meaningful friendships, or eager to explore your home, we encourage you to check it out!

When You Change, But Your Friends Don't

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Today's Big Sis Tip comes from our dear friend, Allie LeFevere.  Allie gave us a couple of helpful tips as to what to do when we change, but our friends don't.  Allie is a health and life coach that resides in Chicago, and she has other helpful tips and articles on her site! 

 Thank you, Allie! You are amazing! 

What To Do When You Change, But Your Friends Don't. 

True friends aren't like clothes -- you don't toss 'em out just because your taste has changed. But you often find as college ends, you mature and reprioritize your passions, while some of your friends still want to party like it's Welcome Week, float through dead end jobs and wallow in their drama. So what do you do?  

Step into their stilettos for a minute.  Change is scary -- especially, when you're not the one doing it.  Your exciting and evolving life, may serve as a reflection of who or what they're not.  You're making it happen, while they're stuck, scrambling or paralyzed with fear.  

So ask yourself these questions: 

Are they supportive of the new you?  If so, then awesome!  Maybe they just need a little nudge in the right direction.  And remember all those nights they were there for you, while you wept into your pillow over a breakup?  Well it's time to return the favor -- they might want to jump aboard the change train, but don't know how to ask for your support. 

Are they critical of your changed ways?  Then talk with them about how that makes you feel.  You're a mature woman now, right?  Well, that's what mature women do -- they have honest conversations, even if they're uncomfortable.  Tell them that you love them and although your interests are no longer similar, that you'd love their support and respect. If they're not receptive or don't honor the new you, then cut the cord. You don't have space in your life for negative people. 

Are they the same good 'ol friends they've always been?  Then love them from a far. This doesn't have to be anything drastic or sudden, you just have to acknowledge that where they are on their journey works for them, but not for you. Their priorities and interests aren't your priorities and interests and that's perfectly okay. I have a few best friends from high school that I've grown apart from over the years and now our relationship consists of the occasional phone catch-up, our once a year girls' trip and holidays at home. And when we see each other, We. Have. A. Friggen'. Blast. There's nothing wrong with having "fun" friends, but save your quality time for people with whom you have more in common with now, can relate to on a deeper level and confide it. Naturally, you'll attract new friendships on your wavelength. 

To read more articles from Allie, go to www.AllieLeFevere.com