This is one of my favorite parts about being a military spouse, even though sometimes it can be a bit challenging! However, they say Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe! So, how do you figure it all out?!?!

More than likely, you won’t be stationed near your family, so that means you will need to find your new circle of friends or FRAMILY (friends that are like family or your chosen family), as we call them.  These people will be ones who are there when you need them and even when you don’t!  They are there through the thick and thin…through the times where everyone is home, and the challenges with deployments and geographical separations.

Don’t panic!  This can be a couple of people or even a few handfuls!  There isn’t an exact equation as to what this will look like at each duty station.  You may have a huge tribe a one base, and a small circle of friends at the next base.  Either way, you will probably be friends for a long time!

Here are some things to try when looking for your tribe:

• Join New Groups
  • Check out spouse clubs, yoga, running groups, book clubs, etc.
• Consider Saying “YES” if There Are Activities You See Available (within reason, of course)
  • Find some wine tastings, MWR outings, painting classes, concerts, etc.
• Sign Up to Volunteer
  • Look for libraries, churches, schools, non-profits, etc.
• Try a New Class
  • Try a workout, dancing, local community outreach program, college courses, other hobbies, etc.
• Explore Online Communities
  • Look up spouse pages, duty station pages, local area interest pages, etc.
• Attend Base Events
  • Watch for balls, classes, open houses, yard sales, etc.

Here are some things to consider when looking for your tribe:

• Be Realistic & Trust Your Instincts
  • Not everyone you meet will be a good fit, but some could be!
• Be Yourself
  • Don’t be fake!
• Be Patient
  • Realistically, you probably won’t have a tribe in the first day or even week at your new duty station, but give it some time, and it will happen!
• Be Open-minded
  • Don’t judge a book by its cover, you just never know who you may bond with!
• Be Vulnerable
  • When you are ready, open up and have those deep conversations as you build that tribe bond with someone!

Although there are times where we may feel that there are so many in the military, what you will find is that it is it’s own small, little world.  Your tribe may come and go, but there’s a chance you may find them again along this military journey that you are on!  This has happened to us quite a few times.  Plus, technology makes things even easier to stay connected with your tribe, whether you are near or far.

We hope you find some amazing tribemates along your way! Just remember…some will be forever friends, and some will be for this current chapter, but both are important when it comes to building your military support network!

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