How do YOU make friends?

Suval · 07-11-2006, 07:02 PM

I recently moved across Canada to continue my education. Thankfully, I met my boyfriend quite quickly and he provides me with a lot of love and support. Despite the fact that I have my beau, work, and go to school, I still don't seem to have any friends. I am finding this very difficult emotionally.

I guess my question is... how do you meet new people?

I have an outgoing personality and lots of friends in my hometown.

Does anyone have ideas about how I can make new friends?

KilikinaP · 07-12-2006, 02:58 AM

Its always hard to meet NEW people and in the next year or two, I could be joining you in asking this question as my husband might be transferring to another job.

I guess there's always the standard: "What do you like to do?" "Where did you meet your previous friends?" questions.

For my current circle of friends, I met them by going to church, to work and participating in other activities, like aerobics classes. But even with that, most of my friends are not recently aquired.

Volunteering is a good way to meet like-minded individuals. I don't volunteer with this group anymore, but the best sociable volunteer gig I had was working with adults going back to get their GED. They were a very friendly group of people and my co-volunteers and I hung out a lot too.

P.S. I love Canada! My husband and I got married just outside Ottawa and honeymooned in Quebec City.

KilikinaP · 07-12-2006, 03:24 AM

Study groups are an EXCELLENT way to make new friends. My best friend through college was a girl I studied with. We were both the same major, got along really well and after college, we even worked at the same place until I moved.

Suval · 07-16-2006, 12:05 AM

I have met a lot of interesting people at school but somehow I just do not connect with them.

I really like the volunteering idea but I find so many volunteers are so much older than me! Ahh... meeting people is so hard!

Thanks for all of the advice/support!

R0xyg4l · 07-17-2006, 05:06 AM

I'm not really the greatest at meeting new friends. But about 4 years ago I moved from Indiana to Connecticut. A lot of the friends I have are generally from school, work or through my husband's workplace (like girlfriends/wives of his friends). Good luck!

jlucy · 07-17-2006, 06:31 AM

I have the same problem. I've lived in Florida for a little over two years and my best friend is my ex. I have met a lot of people but haven't met many people that I've gotten really close to. I just wish I could find at least one good friend here and it's not happening. I go to the gym and meet a lot of people through work. It just feels like everyone else has their friends or their group they hang out with and I don't fit in anywhere.

KlassicalKat · 07-17-2006, 06:48 AM

I've met a lot of friends by volunteering; at a radio station, the library, my son's school, etc. Don't be put off by the fact that some folks you meet are older. When I was in my 20's some of my best friends were in their 40's and 50's. I am going to turn 50 and one of my best friends is 77. You get a wonderful perspective from older folks. Yes, I know some are ornery and opiniated, but there are others that are super caring, intelligent and very wise in their years. I learn a lot from them!

Anyway, you sound like a very nice person and that, with your outgoing personality should win you friends in no time!

Kathryn

sleepydumpling · 07-18-2006, 10:55 AM

Suval, do you read? I was really looking to broaden my social circle too, and I came up with the idea of joining a book club. I couldn't find one that suited (most were either out in the suburbs, and I don't drive, or they met during the day while I was at work) so I looked on www.bookcrossing.com and joined the local bookcrosser's group on YahooGroups. Some of those were interested in a book club in the City of an evening after work... so I started one.

I've met about 30 new people in the past 3 months, and some of those might just grow into further friendships.

Good luck with it!
Kath

07-18-2006, 08:24 PM

Good topic I could do with some advice too!

Suval · 07-18-2006, 11:43 PM

I suppose what the 'real' issue is that I haven't met like-minded individuals. People in Manitoba are quite different from my home town. My friends back home say that if I stay in a social circuit that I'll meet the friends of friends and then find someone I enjoy spending time with. It makes sense but I feel like I'd be using people.

I've met people but I don't have much in common with them. You guys all have fantastic ideas. Some of them I've tried and others I will try. I have no problem befriending older individuals, by the way. I actually get along quite well with most of my older co workers. However, I'm going through a huge transitional phase and I am hoping to meet someone my own age too... so we can compare notes... if you know what I mean.

KlassicalKat · 07-19-2006, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suval

I have no problem befriending older individuals, by the way. I actually get along quite well with most of my older co workers. However, I'm going through a huge transitional phase and I am hoping to meet someone my own age too... so we can compare notes... if you know what I mean.

Yes, that makes sense. You seem like such a nice person and I am certain that you could get along with people of any age. I do know what you mean. It's good to know people who are going through similar things; who are at the same or similar stage of life that you are. I know that I do enjoy friends who are my own age so that we can reassure and compare notes on all kinds of things. At almost 50 myself, I know that I enjoy being able to talk about grown kids in college, growing older and the "joys" of wrinkles and menopause, etc.

Kathryn