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HOW TO INCREASE MY SOCIAL CIRCLE

Hi Folks

 

As we are getting older and older, do you find that your social circle is getting smaller and smaller?

 

If so, what things do you do to increase or at least maintain your social life?

 

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

Thank You


Comments

  • Give us some clues - how old, what sort of interests?
  • marcia_
    marcia_ Posts: 2,983 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    geek84 said:

    Hi Folks

     

    As we are getting older and older, do you find that your social circle is getting smaller and smaller?

     

    If so, what things do you do to increase or at least maintain your social life?

     

    Any advice greatly appreciated.

     

    Thank You


     I entered a competition and unwittingly signed up for mailings this friendship group 
    https://www.oddfellows.co.uk/
  • Have you a branch of the u3a near you? Great for socialising, learning, days out, theatre trips. Open to anyone no longerin full time employment. https://www.u3a.org.uk/
  • Meetup, local social groups, acttivity based groups, volunteering, start a Facebook group, take up aw new hobby, join a church … The possibilities are endless, but it’s hard work!
  • For me it’s been volunteering, something about working together with people pulling on the same direction as you gives you that common ground. I’ve also met people who I’d quite like to knock round the head but it’s frowned upon. 

    Clubs, sports groups, language lessons etc as well, the key is to keep doing the same thing every week until you feel like a regular and slowly get to know each other. I’ve joined a few womens walking / adventure groups on Facebook which have been good for meeting like minded people but it’s usually as a one off social day or weekend rather than long lasting friendship. 

    I try to focus on opportunities to be with people socially rather than putting the pressure on to make new friends. Just been to parkrun and had a catch up with 2 people I’ve met at other things, a few people I know from parkrun and a longer chat with a woman who runs at my slow speed. So I feel social without necessarily being part of a group or having a running best friend. 

    Good luck! 
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  • geek84 said:

    As we are getting older and older, do you find that your social circle is getting smaller and smaller?

     If so, what things do you do to increase or at least maintain your social life?

     

    What interests do you have?
    If you enjoy politics join a party, deliver leaflets, knock on doors, or stand for election.
    If you are religious, join a church and attend meetings.
    If you like drinking tea/alcohol, go to your local cafe/pub/Wetherspoons for a drink.

  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 46,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No, my social circle has expanded exponentially since I retired, or started preparing for it!

    Joined a choir

    Carried on Nordic Walking 

    Became a trustee of a local charity and started helping with its Warm / Welcoming Space coffee morning 

    Started giving someone a lift to a Shared Reading Group (a book club where you don't have to read the book beforehand!)

    Helping out at a drop in for local women following a local tragedy

    Regularly lunching at the community café, where you budge up and share tables when needed

    Plus ongoing church involvement 

    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,480 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Don't wait for opportunities to come to you -  you have to seek them out.

    U3A has been good - they do a local welcome coffee and chat, CAMEO (come and meet each other), a monthly *free lecture_and about 90 groups.
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
  • geek84 said:

    As we are getting older and older, do you find that your social circle is getting smaller and smaller?

     

    I have non-intersecting social circles - people I see to play Dungeons and Dragons, people I see to play Pokemon Go (yes I am a nerd and a geek) and my friends, all four of them, and even they don't know all each other.

    I would say that if anything over the last decade my social circles have increased through hobbies.  I'm too young for U3A and well off retirement age btw!
    Proud member of the wokerati, though I don't eat tofu.Home is where my books are.Solar PV 5.2kWp system, SE facing, >1% shading, installed March 2019.Mortgage free July 2023
  • williscreg
    williscreg Posts: 12 Forumite
    10 Posts
    edited 23 October 2024 am31 6:25AM
    Reach out to friends from the past. A simple message or phone call can rekindle those relationships. You might be surprised at how eager they are to reconnect! What helped me a lot, that i follow this link and got finally some help with my studies. With all the extra time i have chance to meet new people everywhere.
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