My family moved around in Florida, and I struggled to make friends. I eventually built a community around cooking paella.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
John Paul Hernandez holding up a large pan of paella
The author made friends when he learned to cook paella.

Courtesy of John Paul Hernandez

I've made friends on solo trips and traveled to visit them. These relationships are just as valuable as local ones.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer and a friend posing with heart hands in front of the Eiffel Tower at night.
I traveled to Paris and reconnected with some friends I met on solo trips in 2024.

Chelsia Durkee

I moved back to Canada after living abroad for 5 years. The hardest part is rebuilding my social life.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author on a visit to her hometown in Vancouver.
The author moved back to Canada after five years of living abroad in the UK.

Courtesy of Maria Polansky

I moved to Canada for love 10 years ago. It helped me realize which friends were worth keeping — and find new ones.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer standing next to her husband near the water with the Toronto skyline in the background.
I met my now-husband on a dating app while I was temporarily living in Toronto.

Naima Karp

I've lived in LA, Philadelphia, and Seattle. In every city, my closest friendships have been with women my mom's age.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman smiling in chair with baby next to window with ocean views
Although I'm in my 30s, most of my closest friends are over 50. They've helped me build community and navigate different life stages.

Cheyenne Elwell

I took a break from being the 'planner friend.' Stepping back helped me learn which friendships I should prioritize.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer holding a bouquet of flowers at an event.
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Sukhman Rekhi

My best friend and I went our separate ways after college. We reconnect every year on a trip we call 'bestiecation.'

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
alice draper and her best friend traveling
The author (right) travels with her best friend yearly.

Courtesy of Alice Draper

I wanted to end a long-term friendship and thought ghosting was the best option. I was wrong.

Tech Insider : Business
a woman drinking out of a mug and looking at her phone
The author (not pictured) decided not to ghost her friend.

Olga Pankova/Getty Images

The world's most famous couples therapist spends her entire work day with other people

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Esther Perel
Esther Perel exercises with friends, goes on walks with therapy clients, and always brings guests on her work trips.

Zenith Richards

Mandy Moore says motherhood has reshaped her friendships

Tech Insider : Business
Mandy Moore.
Mandy Moore says becoming a mom has changed the friends she feels the closest to.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

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