I was just wondering if you guys had any ideas on how to meet new people?

It feels like I've lived here for ages and I haven't made a friend. I'm thinking something along the lines of interest groups, organizations, etc. I'm not working or going to school this semester so that is not an option. We're also not club/bar kind of people. I'd like to meet someone at the gym to exercise with but no such luck. Everyone's too busy with their ipods!

Any suggestions are welcome. I'd also like to hear any types of groups you guys belong to. Thanks everyone!

You can meet people wherever you go. You don't have to do anything special or fancy. You just have to find something in common to get a conversation going. And if there's nothing in common visible, just spark a conversation over something that can get you started talking. IE: Ask the gal next to you how she likes her iPod. Tell her you've been wanting to get one but wasn't sure whether they were worth it. When the conversation starts to wind down, say "BTW, I'm _______" and extend your hand. Then see if you can keep a conversation going or greet her everytime you come in. She may find she enjoys talking to you more than listening to her iPod.

Hey my friend STACY~

I know the answer to this, I will P.M.you!

Something I've noticed is that people really like to talk about themselves, and most people enjoy a friendly face! Just mention something casual or ask a question, and smile. If you think you like them, ask if they'd like to get a cup of coffee with you. If not, thank them and go on about your business.

Join a volunteer group,,,something you enjoy, be it SPCA, or theatre, or the hospital. Take a FUN class,,scrapbooking, making clay bowls, if you have a library find out if they have any programs you can do, or a program from within your own community.

Stacey: I have a rough time, too. I moved here five years ago and thought I'd end up with friends that were my daughter's friends' moms. Wrong. My daughter even has a friend whose mother has a son that is my son's age AND she's a hairdresser (like me!). This friend was also in my girl scout troop for three years. Whenever I see this mom, it's only because she's picking up her daughter from scouts or from a sleepover with my daughter and we talk and laugh and get along fine and when I suggest we should get together for coffee or to hang out or to do each others hair or to get our younger sons together to play, it's like..."Oh, I'm so busy with my husband's business paperwork...I have so many customers..." Everyone's so busy. It seems I'm alone in my town, being a stay at home mom. BUT, then my son started preschool and I got to know a couple of moms from there and now have a couple of friends now that stay home and we meet at the park with the kids and meet at each other's houses for visits...today, we're meeting at the library with the kids. It's nice. Sometimes it just takes time to find the right situation and then you'll find 'your people'.

Hi Stacy - There is a site called exercisefriends dot com where you put in your zip code and your interests and can place a free ad - also you can answer other people's ads. I answered an ad about 6 months ago on there and started walking with a lady in my area and we are now good buddies. I would highly recommend it! I've been there before - three years in a city and made no real friends. Now I have lots. I usually start out by just assuming everyone wants to be friends and when I meet someone I like talking to I just say, "Hey, I've been wanting to eat lunch at X - want to go next Tuesday" or something like that.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

EZ, I got your pm, thank you! My husband is much more into it than me, and he's actually been looking for a new one so I'll give him the info

I actually thought of volunteering first thing. I looked on a couple sites and found some pretty cool oppurtunities. I'm going to be out of town for a couples weeks and when I get back I'm going to look into it.

I actually belong to Exercise Friends. I've sent a couple people messages and never recieved a response. I haven't given up though.

As far as classes go, do you guys know any websites where you can find like listings? Or do you find them in a local newspaper?

I also need to work on just opening up to people. I'm not very good at that, I tend to wait until spoken to.

HEY STACY~ I am glad your husband is looking for you know what, maybe you will come along It is truly a wonderful thing!

On another note, I know you are probably looking for kids your own age ~~ but ~~ if you are just looking for something worthwhile, what about Big Sisters or something along those lines.

Take care, Gary

Stacey, check your local library, most have a lil newletter/booklet out with what they ahve going on in the neighbourhood or within their library. I signed up for how to decorate your room, just going for new ideas. And there are some computer classes, and well Ive already taken all of them about 10 years ago, I plan to take those again for a refresher. (since I can't remember anything) There are book clubs,,,
And something Ive done, joined a thatre group, they always need backstage helpers,,,or if you have a talent for painting, or makeup,,,sewing? Anything,,see if they have one in your area.
My next thing I want to learn to do is blacksmithing,,,strange I know,,,but I like the artsy stuff, its this or jewellery making,,,since Ive been off work for a few weeks due to medical I can't afford to take that as of yet. Next year.