How do you pull yourself into happy?

[33girl]

I watch Beavis and Butt-Head for a couple hours. Or whatever makes you laugh.

You can get involved w/ the alum panhel (if there is one) as an "at large" member. I did this when I first moved to Pittsburgh. It's really fun and helps you feel connected.

Take a day and just wander around the town - it may seem like you're in BFE (trust me, I know that feeling) but you should be able to find at least one or two places you like. You might even get to like them better than the chain stores and restaurants.

Get on Facebook, Myspace or LJ and join the groups for your city or whatever is the city closest to it and let them know your situation. You might have to travel to get some "culture" but if you know it's out there, you won't feel as trapped. And remember - this isn't 1950 - you can still keep in touch with people online. I'm not suggesting you stay on the computer 24/7 but it's not like you're in complete exile.

[SWTXBelle]

I feel your pain. I moved from Houston to Paris, TN (pop. 6,000). I founded an alumnae panhellenic, because there wasn't a Gamma Phi group, and even though I formed a Crescent Circle (smaller than a full-fledged alumnae group) there really wasn't much interest from my sisters - they tended to be 20 - 30 years older than me, and hadn't been active in forever. The alumnae group was fun, and I really enjoyed meeting other sorority women.
I will admit that planning trips helped me stay sane - I love to travel, and having something to look forward to helped me "pull myself into happy". I gardened, and, don't laugh, got a dog and my fabulous pet chicken Houdini. I never did really make any close friends in Paris - but that's okay. I was there for four years, and have now returned home to Houston. I SO appreciate all that I have now.
The four years I spent in exile gave me time and space to think - something that is hard to do when you are running around all the time. It sounds like West Virginia might not be your final home - so take advantage of touring the beautiful state - act like a tourist in your own backyard! I really enjoyed traveling around Tennessee and seeing places I knew I would never have a chance to see again.
Good luck! Hope you cheer up soon.

[aggieAXO]

Do you still have your per chicken SWTX? I will occasionally treat pet chickens and find that they are really smart and interesting. I can't imagine eating them

Jenn-have you made any friends from work? If not maybe get to know some of your co workers, invite them to lunch or out for a drink. Have a dinner party at your house. I would think about getting a therapist to talk about things-it really does help (and it would be someone to talk to). I hope you feel better

[KSUViolet06]

*If you're feeling particularly miserable, it's okay to call one of your best girlfriends in Houston and have a good cry about it. It helps to get it out.

*If you're a Christian, try and find a church to go to regularly in your new city. You can meet alot of people that way. Same concept if you're Jewish or Muslim or something, you can meet people via your new temple or mosque.

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by aggieAXO

Do you still have your per chicken SWTX? I will occasionally treat pet chickens and find that they are really smart and interesting. I can't imagine eating them.

Neighborhood dogs got my poor Houdini. That's when I knew I could no longer live in Tennessee.