Meeting people..any ideas?

[LeahR]

I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and had the same friends since elementary school ( I am 29 now ). My husbands job and family situation prompted us to move about 4-5 hours away about 3 years ago. Needless to say, my firendships aren't what they used to be with those people as I hardly see them anymore. Problem is... How do you meet new people and make new friends????I have to say that I am very lonley for female companionship/friendship but live in a small town with not much to do. Just wondering if anyone else has up and moved and how they went about meeting new friends. Another "negative" is that I work for my husband in his small office so meeting people at work is out.

 

[todell80]

I completely understand. I have the same problem as you. I have 2 kids, so my biggest problem is thinking I don't have time to do things w/ girlfriends, so I don't make plans w/ the friends I do have. Of course, I do have time if I would make the effort, but its tough. Around here, the only thing to do that involves meeting new people is going to bars, and I'm not that into it. Once a year or so, but not that often. And my church is full of older people and really young people, not many people my age. I am going to start playing in a softball league next month, is there something like that there? I feel for you, though, once you are married, many people assume you don't need more friends, so that makes it tough!

 

[Net45582]

...try volunteering at the library,hospitals,senior centers, parks and rec etc...you'll meet lots of people. Also get involved if there are events like fund raising for cancer cures etc-you'll meet lots of great folks....been my experience anyway. Good luck!

 

[K8IE]

I know it is hard when you move and feel like you don't know anyone and don't have your "support system". There are lots of ways to meet people but you gotta get out there and work at it! I don't know if you have kids, but if you do and they are in day care or mother's day out or school you can make playdates for the kids and then you can get to know some of the other moms. Church is another great place, especially if you find one where the classes are seperated into similar age groups like a young married class. Community projects are another great idea, you can always meet great people doing some volunteer work at your local animal shelter, food bank, nursing home, etc.. Going to the gym I always met a lot of cool people, especially in yoga or pilates classes. If there are any classes in the area to take like dancing, art or cooking you could do that too.. And of course if you have a dog park go there and strike up conversations with other dog owners, you can plan playdates with them too. Good luck and hang in there!

 

[lafsalot]

I found that by just walking my dog/s the same time every day has opened up many connections and lasting friendships that have lasted for years. Are there people who regularly walk or jog around your neighborhood? If so, why not strike up a conversation and ask if you can tag along. You might also want to consider posting in the Boxer Bash /Events forum to see if you can't meet other boxer owners in your area. Good luck ~ Cathy

 

[GomersGirl5]

I hear ya, LeahR!! I was the same way when I moved 5 hours from my hometown. I met my friends from work and thankfully most have become very close. Something else I have found is to frequent small shops in your town and strike up conversations. I did that in our local Hallmark shop and now the owner and I chat about this and that every time I see her, whether in her store or at WalMart! Another good place is the park. Take your pets out for walks at the park and you'd be surprised at how many people will come to you to make conversation! Good luck, and if all else fails; there is always Boxer World!

Take care!
Stephanie

 

[ChefStomp91]

I would also look to see if there is a JC (junior chamber) organization in your area or something like it. When I lived in Pasadena CA, I was a member of the Pasadena Jaycees - a community and social organization for members age 21 - 40.

In Reno we have the Reno Active 20-30 Club - same idea. Social and community organization.

Both groups have mixers and dances and outings for the social aspect and then are also involved in community projects - like Relay for Life or a Christmas giveaway for underprivleged children.

Also, you and your DH could join a bowling league. I know here they have short summer leagues and long winter leagues. They have all skill levels and types - from serious leagues to fun leagues where the game changes every week.

 

[Jill's boxer]

Hit your local dog park if you have one! I know how you are feeling, my DH and I recently relocated to a very small town in November--and to make matters worse, he left in January for a 6-month military deployment--leaving me with a brand new house and puppy and NO friends whatsoever! And there is NOTHING to do in this town! trust me...I've searched high and low for something of even minimal value or entertainment! LOL And I have to say--I owe my entire social life just about, to Gracie! I met her siblings owner through BW actually, and we meet weekly at the dogpark--and through that I met another great gal, and just recently another couple BW members in our area! if it weren't for Gracie--I wouldn't know a soul!

Having moved quite a bit due to the military, I should be used to having to start over, but somehow finding friends gets harder each time--maybe its getting older that affects it, especially since we don't have kids and most folks our age (37, 35) have kids by now. Volunteering is a good way, joining a club or team of some sort...or like I said--the dog parks! If you do have children, perhaps there is a parent's group or something that you could get involved with? Best of luck, sometimes it takes awhile but you'll find someone soon!

 

[LeahR]

We don't have kids, and we have just finally settled in to a "permanent" house ( we have lived in three houses since the BIG move) where the neighborhood is more like a nieghborhood then some houses mixed in with the corn fields LOL. There is a beautiful park right accross the street and believe me, my fat butt and Masons fat butt will be walking alot I am going to see if there are any groups to join and I have wanted to join a bowling league for a while so I am gonna look into that too! Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!!!

 

[K8IE]

I was thinking, you could always give invites to all the neighbors in the close vicinity of your house. (Maybe pick 20 or so houses if there are that many). Do a "neighborhood" cookout or game night or something. Set up a volleyball net, horseshoes, play football, or whatever and have a fun get-together!