Making Friends in Your Coliving Space: A Complete Guide

Connecting with others is a big part of what makes us human. Coliving spaces are all the rage now among young pros, digital nomads, and expats. Mainly because coliving is a cool, budget-friendly option compared to other renting choices, offering a unique way to meet folks from everywhere. Let's dive into why making friends in these shared spaces is awesome and share some tips for anyone wanting to create their own circle from scratch.

Benefits of Socializing in Coliving Spaces

A True Sense of Community and Belonging

Coliving isn't just about splitting the bills and organizing a cleaning schedule; it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who support and understand each other. When you invest in relationships within your coliving space, it can lead to a profound sense of belonging — a home away from home.

Expanded Support System

In times of need, it's invaluable to have a support system just a door-knock away. Whether it's finding a good doctor, dealing with a pest problem, or simply wanting to vent, friends in your coliving space can offer the assistance and empathy you require.

Sharing Experiences

Life is richer when it's shared. From spontaneous potlucks to movie nights and conversations that span sunrise to sunset, the experiences you share in your coliving space with others are often the ones that last a lifetime.

Enhanced Social and Professional Networks

Friendships in coliving spaces go beyond idle chatter. They can lead to collaborative work opportunities, access to a wider professional network, or just prove beneficial in swapping skills and knowledge.

Tips for Making Friends in Your Coliving Space

Break the Ice & Initiate Conversations

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make friends in your coliving space is to be the one to initiate conversation. It could be as simple as asking about someone's day or commenting on a shared experience within the space. Being approachable and open to conversation can go a long way in building connections. Here are some ideas on how to initiate the conversation:

1. Compliment Something You Like:  "I love your jacket, where did you get it?" or "That's a great song playing, what is it?"  Compliments are a friendly way to break the ice and spark conversation.
2. Seek Recommendations: "I'm new here, got any cool coffee shop recommendations?" or "Looking for something fun to do this weekend, know any cool spots around?" Asking these questions shows you value their opinions and sets the stage for sharing stories.
3. Ask About Their Day: A classic conversation starter, but for good reason. "How was your day?" or "Anything exciting happening this week?" shows you're interested and opens the door to further conversation.
4. Offer Help: "Do you need a hand carrying those groceries?" Offering assistance shows kindness and creates a chance for interaction.
5. Comment on Something in the Shared Space: Strike up a conversation based on something you see in a common area. "Hey, that's a cool book you're reading! Have you finished it yet?" or "Wow, those pastries look delicious, did you bake them yourself?"

Engage in Community Events and Activities

Don't be shy about joining in on the community events and activities organized within the coliving space. Whether it's a cooking class or a book club, participating in these events can be a great way to meet others.

At Cove, we're all about creating a vibrant community here, and we do it by hosting all sorts of fun events every month. Whether it's exploring new destinations together, engaging in wellness retreats, or getting involved in some friendly sports competitions, there's always something to look forward to. These activities aren't just great for spicing up your life; they also open up lots of chances to make real, lasting friendships with the people around you.

Actively Listen and Show Genuine Interest

When engaging in conversations, practice active listening. People appreciate when you show genuine interest in them and their stories. Remembering and referencing those conversations later on will show you truly value your interactions.

Here are some tips to enhance your active listening and demonstrate genuine interest in conversations:

1. Maintain Eye Contact: This simple act shows you're totally into the conversation and present. It's a cool way to show respect and that you're really interested in what the other person is saying.
2. Nod and Offer Verbal Affirmations: Small nods and occasional interjections like "I see," "Really?" or "Go on" encourage the speaker and indicate you are following along.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Get the chat going deeper by tossing out questions that can't be answered with just a yes or no. Like, "What was that experience like for you?" or "How did you get into that?"
4. Avoid Interrupting: Give the speaker your full attention and avoid the temptation to interject your own stories or opinions until they have finished speaking.
5. Summarize and Reflect Back: Show you understand by summarizing their points and reflecting back feelings or thoughts they’ve expressed. For instance, "It sounds like that was a really challenging time for you," can validate their experiences and feelings.
6. Minimize Distractions: Put away your phone, turn off the TV, or step away from your computer to show that the conversation is your priority.

By using these strategies, you're going to be a much better listener, and you'll also build empathy and connection. This makes your chats way more meaningful and rewarding.

Respect Others' Privacy and Space

While coliving is about community, it's also important to respect the privacy and space of your housemates. Be mindful of their boundaries and understand that not everyone may be looking to make friends as eagerly as you.

Here are some tips on how to respect others' privacy in coliving spaces.

1. Knock Before Entering: Always knock and wait for a response before entering someone’s private space. This simple gesture shows respect for their personal area and privacy.
2. Be Mindful with Noise Levels: Recognize that sound travels, especially in shared living environments. Keep the volume down during late hours or when you know someone needs quiet time.
3. Communicate Boundaries: Have an open discussion about what each person considers private. This can include conversations about sharing food, borrowing items, or using common spaces.
4. Respect Shared and Private Property: Understand the difference between communal items and personal possessions, and always ask before using something that doesn't belong to you.
5. Give Space When Needed: Learn to read the room. If someone seems like they need time alone or are engaged in a private activity, allow them that space without intrusion.
6. Limit Questions About Personal Matters: While it’s natural to develop an interest in your housemates' lives, avoid prying into personal matters unless they openly share with you.

Utilize Common Areas to Socialize

The common areas of your coliving space are hubs for interaction. Whether you're working remotely, hosting a small gathering, or simply lounging with a book, these shared spaces offer ample opportunity to mingle and establish connections.

Below are examples of common areas and suggested activities for those spaces:

• Kitchen: Organize potluck dinners or cooking classes to bond over food.
• Living Room: Host movie nights, board game competitions, or casual coffee conversations.
• Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy barbecues, yoga sessions, or relax together on sunny days.
• Shared Workspaces: Collaborate on projects, brainstorm, or co-work in silence for companionship.

Initiating & participating in these activities strengthens community and builds lasting friendships.

Conclusion

Creating and nurturing friendships in a coliving space can transform your experience there from good to great. The connections you make can provide a support system, enrich your life with shared experiences, and offer new avenues for personal and professional growth. Be proactive, respectful, and open-minded, and you'll find that you're not just inhabiting a space — you're building a vibrant community filled with friends.