So I just joined a sorority. What happens to my old friends?
This is a common question for most new members in Greek life. You’ve spent the entire semester getting to know a group of girls, and now you find yourselves in different sororities. Now you have a new activity every night, and you feel like you’re never going to see your core ladies again. Don’t fret! Here are some tips on how to deal with this new component of your friendships.
1. YES, you can still keep your old friends! The amazing thing about Denison Greek life is that you can socialize outside of your sorority. Most people do! If you walk down the halls of Crawford, the sophomore dorm, you’ll find that the majority of sorority members live with girls in different houses, or unaffiliated friends. If you have a close group of friends who belong in different houses, don’t lose your connection. Once you get adjusted to sorority, you will see that you can easily budget your time for your old friends and your new.
2. Have a family dinner. If you call your close friends your “fam” then schedule a family dinner once a week. Share schedules, and find a night when everyone is free to catch a meal at Huffman, Curtis or go into town. This can give your group a consistent time to meet, and keep your ties strong.
3. Tell them your news. Keep your friends up to date with what’s going on with your new sorority. Let them know all of the new people you’re meeting and upcoming events you’re excited for. By sharing information, you can keep your friends in the loop with your life, and not feel like a huge part of your life is completely separate and secretive.
4. Introduce them to your new sorority friends! If they haven’t met, they’ll probably kick it off. By including each other in your new friendships, you can still remain close, and not feel like anyone is being exclusive.
5. Bring them as your date to a formal. If you are fabulously single, and not talking to anyone, bring your galpal to a mixer or formal! This way they can meet all of your new friends and sorority sisters, and let them hang with you and your big.
Joining a sorority is like adding another club, and a bigger time commitment. Sometimes it can seem stressful juggling different groups of friends, but from experience, don’t push your
old friends aside. You bonded together and got through the hardships of first semester, so your friendship must be super special.