DEAR ABBY: Do you have any advice on how I can make friends with people my own age in my hometown? It's a small college town. I recently graduated from the local university and still live at home with my parents. Most of the people I socialized with in school have moved back home after graduating, found work, and seem uninterested in contacting me, or they're still in school and very busy.
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I've had some success making friends online, but my internet friends live out of state or abroad. I work as a substitute teacher and would like to make friends with other subs and teachers, but I don't get many chances to interact with them.
I have always been somewhat of an introvert and homebody and don't get out much. I want to change that before I leave for grad school next year, but I'm not sure where to start. -- HOMEBODY IN OHIO
DEAR HOMEBODY: Start making it a priority to get out of your parents' house and meet new people. The first thing to do is figure out where your interests lie. Surely in a college town there are organizations or groups that would interest you.
If you want to be more physically active, consider joining a gym. If you are political, reach out to the party of your choice and volunteer. I'm sure you will be welcomed with open arms. If you're an animal lover, raise money for a pet rescue organization. While you're doing good, you will be getting to know other like-minded individuals.
And remember that social skills don't always come naturally to people. The more you give yourself a chance to practice, the better you will become at them.