Tag: making friends

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Building Self-Esteem; How to Find Friends in Dubai and Feel More Confident

Guy Desert

Self-confidence – who wouldn’t like to have more of it? It can make you more resilient, improve your decision-making skills, and it means you play the social comparison game far less. But confidence is something everyone struggles with from time to time. The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach can only take you so far, so we’ve got some pointers to help you genuinely build up your self-esteem in the long run. 

Get active

Physique aside, regular exercise means more endorphins – the hormones responsible for mood-boosting. A better mood can help maintain a happier outlook on life, so you can avoid getting sucked into a cycle of negative thinking far more easily. You also get a real sense of accomplishment when you stick to a workout routine, whether that ‘workout’ comes in the form of gym sessions, hikes, pilates or something entirely different. 

Joining the ASKWHO fitness group allows you to connect with other active community members. They could offer class recommendations, or even become your future training partners. There are often classes posted there too, which our users will tell you are some of the best group activities in Dubai. 

Get uncomfortable

Attempting something outside of your comfort zone might be intimidating, but that’s exactly why it’s such a confidence boost when you do it. You feel like you can take on anything afterwards. There are loads of cool things to do in Dubai, just check out the posts from the ASKWHO community for yourself.

Your comfort zone is entirely personal, so pushing yourself will look different for everyone. Extreme sports may not be your cup of tea, but trying out a new restaurant might be the perfect way to challenge yourself. So, why not check out an interest tag you haven’t tried before on ASKWHO?

Get social

Expanding your social circle is one of the best things you can do to fortify your self-confidence. Being brave enough to make the first step and talk to someone new is often really fulfilling. But making new friends can be easier said than done. With ASKWHO on hand, you can meet people in Dubai from all walks of life. Our meetup group has transformed into one handy tab, so you can now find events in Dubai and make new connections in person (at long last). From blockchain to horseriding to board games, it won’t take long for you to find your new crew.

Get real

It’s important to be realistic when it comes to building your confidence. It’s not going to happen overnight, and it’s probably not going to be a linear journey. You might feel incredibly assured one day, and the complete opposite the next. The great news is, that’s totally normal. Bear that in mind, and make sure you’re being kind to yourself. Positive self-talk goes a long way to keep you feeling confident. Plus, the ASKWHO wellness group is always there to give you some self-care tips when you need them.

Try incorporating some of these ideas into your routine and see how your confidence improves over time. Make sure to download the ASKWHO app and share your journey in our supportive groups.

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Wellness Tips to Improve Your Morning Routine

Mornings can be pretty hectic. Wouldn’t it be nice to start your day doing something that makes you feel great? We’ve got some top wellness tips to help bring a bit more calm to your morning routine. Let’s slow down for a minute…

1 – Fuel Up 

Start off with a delicious, healthy breakfast – it’s the most important meal of the day, after all. The ‘breakfast club’ tag features some mouth-watering inspiration.

Hungry for more? Why not ask the ASKWHO foodie group for some ideas? 

2 – Get Moving

The summer heat might make you a little reluctant to stay active, but even light exercise is super beneficial for your wellbeing. Beat the heat by heading out early in the morning. You could take a stroll along an ASKWHO-recommended route (take a look in the hiking interest tag). A sunrise surf session is another great way to cool off. Ride the waves at Sunset Beach before things get busier later in the day. See if anyone on the ASKWHO outdoors or fitness group is up for joining you. 

To ease into your day, try out some yoga. Exploring the Events page in the ASKWHO app means you can find upcoming classes near you from the community. You might even find people to go to your next session with.  

3 – Do something for you

When was the last time you actually took a bit of time for yourself? There are plenty of small ways to do this every day. You could find a quiet spot outside to read for an hour – it’s always nice to start the day without staring at a screen.

Practicing gratitude is also a simple way to become more mindful of the good things in your life. It can be easy to focus on the negatives, especially if you’re stressed. Taking five minutes in the morning to fill out a gratitude journal can help you refocus.

Meditation is another useful mindfulness habit to get into. Spending even 10 minutes each day reconnecting with your body adds up. In the long term, you’ll gain a better awareness of how you’re doing both mentally and physically, which makes it much easier to spot when you might need some TLC.

4 – Plan your day 

Setting out a plan for your day allows you to be more intentional about what you’re doing, and stops you from getting overwhelmed with to-dos. Choose just a few of your main priorities while enjoying your morning coffee. Your day will seem far more manageable once it’s broken down into smaller, clearer tasks.

The ASKWHO community are always sharing ways to take care of yourself in Dubai. The meet-up group even planned a group yoga session recently – head over to the Event page to see what else is going on.

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How Many Friends Should You Have? The Different Types of Friendship

In the world of social media, the line between ‘friend’ and ‘acquaintance’ has become fairly blurred. It’s easier than ever to connect with new people, and with ASKWHO you can turn them into friends, not just followers. But, when it comes to friends, how many is the ideal number? 

The big three

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘friends for different seasons, friends for different reasons’. It’s true, there are distinct, different types of friendship. Three, in fact, at least according to Aristotle. 

1 – Friendships of utility

Your neighbor who always cat-sits when you’re away? Likely a friendship of utility. This usually exists between people who have some use to each other. It’s a more transactional friendship, limited to the services you provide one another. There might be more of a sense of turn-taking, keeping track of who owes who the next favor. Maybe some of the very first people you met when you arrived in Dubai would fall into this category. 

These necessary bonds might sound a bit lacking, but they often act as the starting point for developing one of the other two kinds. They also make your daily life much easier, particularly when you’re starting out in a new place. The pets tag on ASKWHO is the perfect way to find that cat-sitter for the next time you’re away. 

2 – Friendships of pleasure

Put simply, these are the kinds of friendships between you and the people you like being around. Unlike friendships of utility, you thoroughly enjoy some part of these friends’ personalities, and usually share some similar interests. 

This might translate to them being your go-to activity pals. Finding this type of friend can seem tricky, though. What if you want to try something new but don’t want to go alone? ASKWHO can solve that catch-22. Whether you’re into gaming, brunching, theater or fitness, there’s a group for you just waiting to make new connections. 

3 – Friendships of the good

The longest to build, but the hardest to break. Friendships of the good arise with those you share a mutual respect with. You have the same goals, value the same things, and truly understand each other. A lot of people think these are unattainable unless you’ve been friends for life, but that’s actually not true. Meeting others who share your outlook at any stage in your life could result in this relationship. It’s especially easy when you can join groups who value what you do – that’s why ASKWHO is a great place to find this type of connection. 

There you have it

You’re going to form plenty of different types of friendships throughout your life. There really is no golden number, it’s about what works for you. Some will fit cleanly into each of these three categories, others will be more of a mix. But making friends is never a negative – every new person you meet brings you a step closer to finding those long-lasting bonds. Introduce yourself on ASKWHO today and see which types of friendships you could make.

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Cheer Up the Lonely Day: Fighting Loneliness in Dubai

We can all feel alone from time to time – especially if you’ve just moved to a new country. It’s hard to know where to start with making friends, and keeping in touch with old ones can get tricky too. If you’re keen for some connection, we’ve got some ideas that might help… 

Try something new 

Meeting fresh faces in a new environment might be just what you need to kick loneliness to the curb. On ASKWHO, you can find events and activities near you, and meet others who are up for giving it a go too. Keep it as chilled or extreme as you like. Whatever you want to try out, somebody will be happy to join you.

Pencil it in 

A simple chat with friends can go a long way to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Although we’d all love to just have catch-ups as and when, busy lives mean that’s not always possible. Scheduling one in may feel formal, but it gives you something to look forward to. A set time also means it’s less likely to fall by the wayside.

Start the conversation

Even online, it can be scary to put yourself out there. ASKWHO makes it easier to connect with new people with similar interests to you. Whether you’re searching for fellow art fanatics, techies, or keen sports people, get chatting in groups that match your interests. Why not check out our meet-up group? You’ll find all the information you need to know about upcoming ASKWHO events where you can meet the amazing community. 

Friends don’t have to be human

Some of us are introverts, and the idea of meeting new people doesn’t appeal so much. That’s fine too, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for feeling alone. If you’re able to, adopting a pet means you get constant companionship from a 4-legged friend. They’ll bring a new source of energy to your life, plus plenty of love and cuddles (depending on the animal, of course). 

Pay it back 

Cheer up the Lonely Day on July 11th is all about uplifting those who are struggling. Even if that’s not the case for you, you can still get involved by helping others. Find a volunteer group to lend a hand to, and help support your local community. Plus this is a great way to meet new people. Reach out in the ASKWHO lifestyle group for some recommendations to get you started. 

Share your ideas

The ASKWHO community would love to know if you’ve got any other tips for tackling loneliness. Head to the app and share your thoughts with us. 

Your lonely days are gone. Connect with other locals looking to meet new people in our relaxed, friendly meet-up groups. Download ASKWHO today and get started – maybe we’ll see you at the next one.

Will you be at the next ASKWHO meet-up?
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Celebrating American Culture in Dubai

The Fourth of July has just passed, and you might be suffering from some post-celebration red white and blues. Luckily, appreciating American culture doesn’t have to be restricted to just one day. If you want to keep the USA party going, read on…

Foodie’s paradise

The best way to spend a day in classic American style is, of course, with great food. No need to settle on just one meal to go all-out for – Dubai boasts tons of great brunch options. 

STK Steakhouse is home to the multi award-winning Dare to Brunch. Half party, half all-star meals, for half the price.

Celebrating the States doesn’t mean the rest of the world’s off the table. Head to KOYO on Saturday for dinner and a show – their Kabuki Double Brunch is a great spot to socialize, Tokyo-style. Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person; with shows running from 1pm and 8pm, it’s an all day affair. 
If you’d prefer to turn up the volume, Lock Stock & Barrel’s your spot. Bottomless drinks and a fully-loaded menu, set to the tune of live rock. Plus, Mondays mean unlimited hot sauce-covered wings. Getting messy never felt so good.

Stars and stripes

Hit up one of the many galleries in Dubai for a splash of shape and color. The Lawrie Shabibi currently has an exhibit from Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. Embryonic Coat offers a bright exploration of memory, both experiential and DNA-based. Don’t forget, you can always head over to the ASKWHO app and see which amazing art spaces the community thinks you should visit.

Go big or go home

For a full-throttle homage, get a bucket-list adventure under your belt. Even better, get two checked off. Remember how you’re always saying you want to meet new people? Reach out in the water sports tag on ASKWHO and book a flyboard session together. You’ll make new friends and great memories hovering above the water – pretty unique as far as first hangouts go.

Keep your animals safe

For pet-owners, all-American style celebrations can be a bit stressful. Loud noises don’t always mix well with animals, and none of us like seeing them in distress. If you’re attending a fireworks display or if one is happening near you, consider checking your pet into a daycare with BOOKMYPET.COM. You don’t have to worry about being out all day, and the noise won’t leave your furry friends upset. ASKWHO users also get 35 AED off with the code ‘askwho’.

Share your ideas

Any States-inspired events you’re planning that we’ve missed? Let the community know what you’re getting up to, and any spots you recommend, over on the app. Want even more inspiration? Explore your interest groups on ASKWHO for some friendly, local advice.

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How to Make New Friends as an Adult

friends

The struggle to make new friends as an adult is real. Without school, university or clubs and with many people busy with work and family commitments, meeting new people can be tricky. But the benefits of making new friends at any age cannot be overlooked. Maybe you’re looking for a positive addition to your life, some new company or putting yourself back out there. The problem is that making friends as an adult is a lot more difficult than when you were younger. 

The Difficulties of Making New Friends

When we’re younger we make friends really quickly. You spend all your time at school and afterwards together. As an adult, it’s hard to make new friends that you don’t have that shared history with. The strong foundation to build a friendship on is not there. 

It’s also tough making new friends because of all your responsibilities. How are you supposed to make friends when you’re busy with work, with your partner or have family commitments? Where are you going to find the time? 

Making friends should be easy, but now it’s become a challenge and you don’t know why or what you can do about it. 

Tips on How Make Friends as an Adult

  1. Get Involved

It sounds obvious, but the only way you’ll make new friends is to dive right in. Put yourself in the mindset of wanting to talk to people. It might take a little mental preparation, but you’ll get there. Need a helping hand? Go to an event that you’re interested in and you’ll have a shared interest with the people there. This makes starting a conversation much easier! Make sure to find out what’s going on near you on ASKWHO.

  1. Find New Groups 

One way to make new friends is to find new groups. Facebook Groups is an option but it’s messy, confusing and you’re unlikely to make a true friendship. Social media is a great place to start, but you need something better than Facebook. ASKWHO groups are brilliant for meeting local people who share your interests and starting friendships. 

There are plenty of offline groups to join too. Why not volunteer or a sports team? Join an adult education class and make new friends while learning new skills. Take part in something new and see what you learn – and who you meet. ASKWHO is the place where you can take online friendships into reality. Head on over and get some inspiration.

  1. Set Reasonable Expectations 

You’re probably not going to make friends with everyone you meet. You’re also not going to be best friends with someone after one conversation. It actually takes an average of 90 hours to make a real friend – double that for a best friend. Take your time. Have fun. Enjoy the journey. 

  1. Don’t be Afraid to Take the Initiative 

It might be on you to start the interaction and that’s okay. Some people may not have the confidence to begin a conversation so they’ll be grateful that you did. You may even be both thinking the same thing, hoping the other person will speak first. So just dive right in. Break the ice by asking their thoughts and opinions or asking some basic questions to get to know them. 

Still nervous? Head on over to ASKWHO and meet people who are already into the same things as you. We take the awkwardness out of first conversations.

Meet People on ASKWHO

ASKWHO is the hot new social network for people in Dubai looking to connect. Take your online friendships offline and create lasting memories with lifetime friends. Download ASKWHO, join a group, and meet your people.

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