DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I moved back to my hometown after I wrapped up my master’s degree. I am working in my field, doing what I love for good money. All that is missing is a social life.
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I am the youngest in my office, which is staffed mostly by middle-aged family men and women. The majority of my friends from high school have either moved elsewhere or are in serious relationships and not into going out much. My family is nearby, but it is not the same as having my own things to do and people my age to do them with. Any suggestions in jumpstarting my social life? --- SEARCHING FOR FRIENDS
DEAR SEARCHING: Maybe you just haven’t been looking for friends in the all the right places.
If you have any hobbies or favorite pursuits (exercise, music, movies, etc.), do a little on-line hunting to see if there are local groups that share your interests. Or, take a class in something you’ve wanted to learn more about, just for fun.
Volunteering is another route to pursue. As with the social connection sites, there are several reliable on-line volunteer match-up sites that provide ways to support your community, and as a byproduct, an introduction to new people – a win-win in my book.
You might need to expand the radius of your search and be willing to do a little travelling to connect with kindred spirits, but they’re out there. And, if you can’t find anything that appeals to you, be bold and take the initiative to start something new based on an interest near and dear to your heart.