How would you go about finding friends in a completely new country?

Mace Windu

So here I am — having recently moved country, and having pretty much settled down by now, I realize that I don't even know how to start looking for new friends. Because I never had to No, really, how often in your life do you need to actively look for new friends? In pre-school maybe. After that it just somehow happens, by itself. But apparently it doesn't if you are on your own in a new country.

Not that I am here completely by myself. I do know some people here. About ten, to be exact (although it's an optimistic estimate — it includes the real estate agent who found an apartment for me, and the border control officer who checked my passport when I arrived) but none would be willing to even go for a beer with me ))))

I thought about just going to The George and seeing how it goes from there, but last time I checked gay clubs weren't exactly the place to find a new company, so I ditched that idea. Especially that — judging from another thread here — you can never be sure that you will be let in.

So anyways. I am 31, I am not looking for sex, one night stands or even relationships (for now), but I do need to start socializing with people.

What would you do if you were me?

littlehedgehog

Probably join boards, and go to the LGBT beers

stephen_n

There are loads of LGB clubs and societies you could try out. Wet n wild, Dublin Devils, emerald warriors etc etc... You haven't said what gender you are but for some reason I'm assuming male?

baby and crumble

OP there are lots of resources here, have a look at the 'resources' thread here, and have a look at some of the other threads. You might also want to look at some of the threads in PI for other people who talk about how to make friends.

There are also loads of groups on meetup.com from the Dublin area, in lots of different interest groups.

Babybuff

It's funny because I've lived here all my life and really started going down this path of actively seeking friendships in my thirties, I was quite happily content before that. It's something I'm still keenly aware of and I take up hobbies or look to find something new to do whether it's a part time course or a sporting activity. In Ireland though everything ultimately usually ends up revolving around the pub and while that's ok it can get boring an repetitive after a while.
I have a circle of friends that I met through my local who would join us casually or randomly for coffee (some don't drink at all) and there always one or two who you will find you have more common interests with, if there's someone who likes to cook why not suggest a dinner evening once a week.
If you like sport, get involved, get involved get involved. I've met a lot of great peeps this way and it's always good to find something new and interesting to do (I'm going surfing thursday )
Film buff? there are local forums here and some have regular meets for beers or cinema clubs. I understand your asking this question from a lgbt perspective but in the long run why limit yourself, make connections anyway.
Check out local papers or message boards for social clubs and interest groups and go take a look, you might even find something you love doing.

K, I know it's a bit of a rant at this stage but people kind of come and go, I find there's a rythym to it all, sometimes it's nice just to have your own quiet space too but it's always good to put yourself out there and keep your social circles interesting.

Sir Ophiuchus

Have you any particular interests? Sports, board games, drama, anything at all? You could find a group that was interested in that and make friends from there.

Dwn Wth Vwls

This is on tonight: http://www.facebook.com/events/339024916133064/

I think really the best way is to just socialise with people in an activity-based way, and you'll just click with a few people. It can be a slow process, but the activities will keep you busy anyway.