In your 20’s, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Whether it’s your friend who just bought a new outfit and you wonder how they afford it, a stranger running past you on the street and thinking, Why can’t I run as fast as them?, or a schoolmate who’s been traveling the world and you feel like you’re wasting your life by not doing the same—comparison is a natural tendency. But while it’s an instinct we all have, it doesn’t mean it’s always helpful.

I recently moved to a new city. I've got an apartment, a job, and my bills sorted out. I initially thought those would be the most challenging aspects of the move, but as it turns out, I was mistaken. After a month, I had only met a few co-workers for drinks, but they weren't really my kind of people. That's when I realized I needed to find a new way to meet new friends. Here’s what I did.