MINNEAPOLIS, Kan. – Managing work, family and community responsibilities doesn’t always leave much time for meeting new people or for nurturing friendships or a relationship, said Peg Condray, a Kansas State University Research and Extension agent in the Central Kansas Extension district.

As a family and consumer sciences agent, Condray is witness to the frantic lifestyles that today’s singles, couples and families are coping with.

Still, she said, traditional meeting places, such as church, school and community events, provide opportunities for meeting others with similar values and interests. Hiking or biking regularly, scheduling time at a health club, and volunteering at a library or food pantry can offer similar possibilities.

“Parents who are helping children settle into a new school can also meet other parents who may be new to the community, too,”said Condray, who offered these additional tips for getting acquainted: 

* Volunteer at work and in the community, to meet others interested in sharing their time and talents.

* Look for opportunities to explore hobbies and interests. Doing something you enjoy can offer a setting to meet others with similar interests.

* Be friendly and open to meeting others. Greet others who may be walking their dog at the same time you are or who end up sitting next to you at a concert, lecture or sporting event.

* Strike up a conversation: Ask about interests, using questions like: How old is your dog? What prompted you to get tickets for the play? Do you like basketball? 

* Don't rush to divulge personal information. While some have met a potential life partner on social networking sites, you need to be cautious. Let friendships evolve.

More information on building and managing successful relationships is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on the Extension Web site: www.ksre.ksu.edu.

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