Looking to make new friends!!

[brattpowered]

I have been here for 2 years and have made a few really good friends. It can be a tough process, and friendship isn't something that you go out looking for--it just happens, and it may take a while. But be patient and it will happen!

[southern grace]

go to informalclasses.org for activities to meet people with common interests

southern grace

[southern grace]

Oh, I thought of something else. Take dance classes from local studios. It is not
that easy to actually make friends at the studio or during classes, but ask where
people go to dance afterwards or the weekend. Remember there names from class...
"Would you like to practice dance move from class" makes a great way to start a
conversation.

southern grace

[love roses]

That's a great idea. When I lived in Houston, a friend of mine suggested we take swing lessons from the Houston Swing Society. They also held their own dances as well. When we'd go to some clubs to dance, we'd usually run into people from the classes and all hang out and dance together. It was pretty fun. I'm sure Austin has something like that. They have a society for Celtic culture and dancing.

[ITChick]

I think "Meetup.com" was mentioned before, and if so, I second trying that. I've met some great small dog owners that I never would have known lived in my area had I not visited the website. Pick what ever interest you have at the moment and see if there's a group meeting in your area. Or start one.

Good luck.

[mattv24]

It definitly sucks trying to find a workout partner on every website in the entire universe!!! It's seems like I've been everywhere and can't find someone yet! I even talk to people outside of these internet things...I'm not sure if I can do this but If anyone is serious about working out e-mail me @ [EMAIL="matt.vonruden24@yahoo.com"]matt.vonruden24@yahoo.com[/EMAIL] thanks!

[scongress1234]

Originally Posted by Megan1967

Friendship takes time and common interests. It is hard to move somewhere where you don't know anyone, but you can't force that kind of thing. I agree with the others that if you are friendly things develop on their own. You can't pick up real friends like milk at the corner store.

Try volunteering, try doing any of the things the other people mentioned, but don't do something you aren't really interested in just to meet people because you want to really have something in common with them and, again, good friendships aren't instant.

From my experience it is going to take you at least a year, maybe longer to feel like a new place is "home" and to have developed a few good friends.

That said, your dilemma is why I'm scared to move. I'm afraid it will be really difficult to have the patience I will need. I'm good at being by myself, but you can only be by yourself so much.

Also, remember there is a difference between friends and aquaintences. A true friend is rare, and takes time to cultivate. You could hypothetically know hundreds of people, and still have just a few close, true friends. I think we "southern californian" the concept of friends when we broaden it too far. Only a true friend knows, cares, and maybe even has great feelings with you, including intimate relationships and spouces. All the rest is window dressing, so to speak.