Any advice?

Brid2000

Hi, I'm new to these boards and would really appreciate some advice. I'm feeling a bit low at the moment. I am 26 years old. I moved back to my hometown after college for work reasons. I have a good job but I have no friends around here and no social life. Over the past year I have really tried to meet new people. I joined a gym but I found it very difficult to getting talking to anyone as everyone just goes in, does their work out and straight out again. I also tried voluntary work but the people in the volunteering opportunities in my area were much older than me. I have also tried some sports-badminton, etc. but again most of the people were older than me. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I would meet new people or make friends.
Thanks,
Brid.

Sherifu

Well you've tried some of the obvious ones, what other local activities are on? Any parish newsletter/shop notices? Don't want to say the pub really, unless you'd be into giving it a go.

Brid2000

Wouldn't mind giving the pub a go at all. Love going to a pub/club whenever I see my college friends. The only thing is though I don't think that I would have the courage to walk into a pub on my own.

Nothingcompares

I presume your a female. I wouldn't give up on the sports route, in fact I'd recommend some kind of martial arts club. A new female member will get a good bit of attention and you could make new pals that way. I'd avoid going to the pub on your own unless you have a very strong personality. The internet may be your best bet, social networking sites (facebook,bebo,myspace) and dating sites (ok cupid etc.).

challengemaster

Martial arts? I do 2, and get along great with everyone in them - plenty of time to talk/make friends in there, just do your bit while actually training.. Can also be a great boost to self confidence and personal fitness

Brid2000

Yes I am female. Sorry should have mentioned that. Thanks for your suggestions guys. Will definitely give the martial arts a go. If anyone has any other ideas I'd be glad to hear them also. Thanks again.

challengemaster

I'd reccomend TKD (Taekwon-do) - there's lists of clubs here and here if you're interested

Loopy

Brid2000 wrote: »

The only thing is though I don't think that I would have the courage to walk into a pub on my own.

Not many females do, besides, if you do your a target for guys to pounce on. Not recommended..

I would pursue the sports thing, try out a few things until you find something that holds your interest. How about an evening course? Something interesting: photography / art? Great way to meet people..

gcgirl

you could always go down and join the local ladies gaa/rugby team ! its a good way of socialising !

Drift

If there's tag rugby run locally you could go along and see if there's any team looking for an extra girl. There almost always is a shortage of girls at these things so you'd be picked up (not like that ) pretty fast. Most people socialise afterwards too. I think there's a few spring leagues starting up soon and if not the summer leagues are only 2 months away.

promethius

Dramatics club could be an idea?

Brid2000

Thanks again everyone for the advice. Used to play tag rugby a bit in college so will enquire about that as well as the martial arts. Have already checked out the local drama groups but things seems to be a bit quiet with them at the moment. Thanks again

Beruthiel

Have you had a look at the Region Forums (drop down menu above) to see if there is anything going on in your area?

Miss Fluff

Have you any siblings that you can go out with etc? If it's making you miserable you should consider moving to be closer to your friends. What line of work are you in? Do your work colleagues socialise much?