Cheap/free ways to meet people and make friends!

Wellyboots6

I went dog walking with a friend from dog class this evening, bought a curry and took it to hers and had a nice evening chatting despite being soaking wet and covered in mud! Its a good feeling

I have my first meetup tomorrow to go a walk, just hoping the rain stops in time. I am pretty nervous and stressing about what to wear. I am going to force myself to go unless it is throwing it down with rain as I wouldnt enjoy it then. If I can make myself do this then I will be less nervous next time I hope!

Wellyboots6

Well... it was throwing it down with rain and so I didn't go. And now it has stopped raining and I am regretting it

Better get on and have a productive day instead.

Might get stuck in to getting back on track with my budget, catching up with my challenges on here and getting odd jobs done that I haven't yet got round to doing.

Could always try going to a pub or something this afternoon I guess. Should be quietish on a Saturday afternoon shouldn't it?

ceecee1

I wish that I could be brave enough to go into a pub on my own..I am 54 just moved to a new house on my own and dont know anyone at all. I work full time 20 miles away and the people at work are just colleagues - they all have their own lives and families.

I went out to a meeting a couple of weeks ago which was looking at starting a 'friends of the park' type thing - not sure its my sort of thing but I really have to get out and meet some people.

I would love to be able to just go into the local pub and getting to make friends but I really think that it is an impossibility.

Would love to hear how you go on - at least you know the landlady so you have that in your favour. Good Luck !

Wellyboots6

I haven't done it yet ceecee1, there is plenty of time for me to chicken out!

How did you find out about the friends of the park meeting?

There is a ladies group round here which I would be interested in going to, but the next meeting is the same evening as my first kickboxing lesson. Kickboxing would be a regular thing meaning I would get to know people a lot better as I would see them every week, and I would keep fit. It costs money though. The ladies group is only once a month though, but is very cheap and I would get to know people in the local area. Not sure what to do.

Could you try helping out at a local Brownies group or something? I have only been along once but I enjoyed it and there was a varied age range of people helping out. I guess the longer I do it I will get to know the mums too and also get chance to try new activities.

Wellyboots6

I didn't go to the pub! I think it may be too big a challenge at the moment.

Ho hum

ceecee1

Well at least you are trying to get to the pub...I cant even get that near to it.

You will probably get up one day and it will seem easy. You will get there one day:beer:

Kath

Dawning

katy I've just read your posts and you're doing really well.:beer:

I'm single, no children, no close family like brothers/sisters, work from home, and feel really isolated. I've also let my friends go over the years, or they've moved abroad etc. I'm considerably older than you (50) and have found it harder to meet new people as I got older. I keep trying to find ways to make more friends but have been struggling, so your thread and the suggestions have helped. There do seem to be a lot of people in a similar situation of all ages, we just need to find each other!

Well done on kicking OH out. You will find yourself quite up and down for a while, so remember to be nice to yourself. Good luck!

WelshWoofer

Just popped in to say well done Katy!
I'm in exactly the same situation as you - recently divorced, childless but have a dog (but I am 40:eek:). As I posted earlier, I spent months convincing myself I was fine and didn't need anyone and then eventually plucked up the courage to do the Spice and Meetup things.
I wouldn't say I've found a best friend yet but I have been out and about, met lots of people and made the effort, which is something I didn't do before.

It will get better - I promise.
I'm even at the stage that I'm considering going on hols with a group of people I don't know. A year ago that would never have happened - even just the thinking about it let alone the actual going!

Where do you live? I'm always up for a dog walk and a drink!

Wellyboots6

Thanks for all your support everyone, it seems like such a small issue to be worrying about but then by the number of replies it does seem like there are a lot of people in similar situations.

If it wasn't for my dog I would be lost! Today I have already been a long walk with him, and am just about to go out and meet a couple of people from his training class for a play date before we go to class this afternoon.

That is a whole day full of dog related activities, but also speaking to real people

I wonder if social isolation has got worse since the internet? Just a thought, but maybe people don't feel the need to meet up in real life as much now?

Millie2008_2

A day of dog related activities sounds just perfect to me

I think the Internet must have contributed to some degree to lack of face to face interaction. It's quite sad isn't it?