When I moved to the city, it was a big adjustment. I had grown up in a small town and I felt completely lost and swallowed up at the immensity of the city. I was pretty sheltered at first because I was scared to leave my apartment, except to go to work.

My mom told me that I was going to have to go out if I was hoping to make some friends. I decided that I was going to find local singles on the computer and then plan to meet, as I felt this was actually safer than wandering the streets alone.

I signed up to a few free online dating sites and I got the results that I was looking for. I am not in love, but I have made some incredible friends. I also go out in the evenings and my friends have helped me to embrace the city life, rather than shy away from it.