meet new friends?

greenteaicedtea

I have lived where I am for maybe about 5 years. I need more friends!

I have a few friends, one drives me nuts so I don't call her anymore, one got married, so things have changed and I don't talk to them as much.

I am not in the same town where I grew up, it's about an hour drive away so I want to make some new friends here, because I can't go around the corner and have a visit with random high school friends anymore.

At work, there is one girl I like spending time with who is nice, but she lives an hour's drive away as well, she's a bit of a homebody.

I work 1-10pm alternate weeks, so I can't take regular weekday classes, I'd have to skip half of them, or book it off work, so I would only do it for something important that qualifies me better for my job.

I have considered joining a church choir, I joined one once and we went out after church for lunch, it was lots of fun but that group has splintered up and gone their own ways, one has children now, etc. I think it's a good option, but some people aren't available outside that timeframe for hanging out to see a movie or see a show or something, eg. if they're older than I am and have other interests.

I'm 37, and I don't have kids, so that's the type of person I'd like to hang out with, I've considered posting on the local Livejournal community but I'm having trouble trying to imagine a post that doesnt' sound a bit suspicious or something. Not many people my age are on it, and the odd time I've run into someone older, who seemed a bit not of the best intentions, and I don't want to come across that way.

any suggestions are welcome.

my birthday is tomorrow and I turn 37 and I feel so lonely and stuck in a rut.

Dizzyblonde

I think the best thing you can do is take up a hobby or join an evening/weekend class in something you enjoy. That way you'll meet people you have something in common with. Is there a book club at your local library?
You could also do some volunteer work in your spare time and meet people that way.

LegacyUser

+1.
Choirs are good. Doesn't have to be a church choir unless you are into that. There are usually a few choirs around. But you need to think about the kinds of things that interest you. Local drama group, even if it's just topaint scenery or sell tickets, are usually very social. Any polityical or pressure groups? Dance classes? A lot of things you can fit in around your schedule, they won't expect to be there EVERY week.

StinkerbelleSix

Try not to get downhearted. I kind of know how you feel because I'm a nurse and I work unsociable hours and it can be hard to get out and meet people. But putting yourself out there, no matter how hard it may seem, is really the best way to find like minded friends. Joining a choir group sounds like a good start and I'm sure they will understand if you can't make it to every practice. Give it shot, you can only gain from it

PS: Happy Birthday!:)