[ohlove]

I've known for a long time that I need to get out more and be more social, but I'm really having awful luck with it. I finished grad school in December, so up until then I met people through school, but I moved back to my hometown where I now know one person (a person who was my best guy friend but rejected me recently and so now I'm trying to figure out MY life with a lot less him). But I'm starting to think that there is no one here even close to my age (25... ok almost 26 but I am going to count every last day I have at 25 ) in this town. There's a population of about 50,000 and it's not a college town, and I am at a complete loss at where to find people my age. I'm not a bar kind of person, and don't have anyone to go bar hopping with anyway. I belong to a church, but me and guy friend and guy friend's crush (ouch that hurts) are the only people under 35+. I'm still trying to find a job, and looking for volunteer opportunities, but any ideas on where else I can look? Does anyone else have a problem like this?

[smisen]

Are there any groups on meetup.com in your area? I moved to WI almost two years ago and didn't know anyone here - and it's really hard to meet people if you aren't in school! I joined several groups on that website and have had a lot of fun with them - very little pressure, lots of nice people and fun activities.

[Everlasting]

I know you said their weren't many people your age at church, but did you think about checking out any other local churches for a 20-somethings group that gets together?

[abluvion]

Yeah, I second meetup.com. I have the same issue. It's so much easier to meet people in school, and once you're out of it, suddenly everyone your age disappears! Meetup allows you to find people with whom you already have common interests - crafts, games, hiking, etc. Or there are groups with common ages, which is what would be great for you!

As for bars. I find it hard to meet people at bars anyway because people typically go there with groups of friends - kind of hard to break into. I don't think that's a great place to form friendships.

Good luck. It ain't easy out there!

[ohlove]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did look on meetup.com and sadly the only group in my area (central nothingness Nebraska) is some political group that really isn't my thing.

[KayNicole]

Originally Posted by ohlove

Thanks for the suggestions. I did look on meetup.com and sadly the only group in my area (central nothingness Nebraska) is some political group that really isn't my thing.

Well that is unfortunate! I know what it's like to not be able to find people. I have been in my area for 5 years now and I only have a handful of friends, all of which have kids (my husband and I do not) so we never see them. lol I need to check out meetup too! Another thing you could try is craigslist. Sometimes it's about the only option in middle of nowhere like places. Good luck!

[pokeycactus]

I moved to Phoenix without knowing ANYONE except my aunt and uncle - and moved from a small town where I literally knew everyone.

I joined an intramural co-ed volleyball team, I sucked, but I met a TON of new people and had a set time each week I would see them. I'm still friends with people that I played with - five years ago now.

I also went to singles nights at other churches besides my own, because there were literally no other young people at my church either.

I also did match.com - just to get out and meet some people and be able to get my bearings on Phoenix. It turned out that one guy I went on a date with ended up being one of my very dearest friends. When I complained to him that I didn't have any girlfriends yet, he introduced me to a girl he worked with - who ended up introducing me to my entire group of girlfriends. It just takes one person sometimes!

[blondeblueeyedbeauty]

That really sucks! I know what you mean about nobody to hang out with-I'm from Nebraska! Kearney to be exact. Church is a great thing to get involved in, you never know what friends of friends you will meet. As for stuff to do, I have no idea! Maybe go bowling or take a neice/nephew ice skating in Kearney one saturday to meet people? Keep us updated