I’m Tired of Small Talk: How Does Acquaintance Become Friendship?

You meet people. You chat. You ask about work, the weather, weekend plans.
And somehow… it never becomes anything deeper.
After immigration, it can be especially frustrating to have people around you but still feel stuck at the acquaintance stage. You may crave real conversation, but opening up feels vulnerable — and forcing intimacy doesn’t feel right either.
This is for you if:

• you’re tired of conversations that stay on the surface;
• you meet people but struggle to move from acquaintance to friendship;
• you’re not sure how much to share or ask;
• you miss the ease and depth you had with old friends;
• you want connection without forcing closeness too quickly.

In this group, we’ll explore what actually helps a relationship gradually become more personal — and why the “slow middle” between meeting someone and becoming friends is often uncomfortable but important.
We’ll reflect on what makes you feel connected, what helps you feel safe enough to open up, and what “10% more real” could look like in a friendship you already have.
There will be a short workshop-style reflection and plenty of space for conversation and optional sharing.
This is not a networking event or a lesson in how to become more outgoing. It’s a warm space to understand yourself better and hear from other immigrants navigating the same thing.
Free online support group for immigrants in Montreal.
You’re welcome to talk, write in the chat, or simply listen. Come as you are.
About the host:
I’m Dasha, an immigrant and ACC ICF coach working with immigrants and people navigating life transitions, starting over, and inner conflict. I created these groups because immigration can be deeply isolating — and sometimes it helps simply to have a space where other people understand.