Making New Friends in a New Place

[DeltaBetaBaby]

I have met a lot of people at literary events, like bookstore readings and things like that. There is a small literati in many cities, so if you go to a few events, you'll see the same people again and again.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

Meetup.com

Maybe....???

That's what I was going to say. When I was freshly moved home and hadn't made good connections yet, I found a great Meet-up group for movie lovers. I'm thinking of joining one that plays softball on Sundays. It's a great tool with the right group!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

It's a great tool with the right group!

"Right group" is key. I had someone pushing meetup to me and when I looked, 60% of the groups were "mommy" meetups. The one that I did have an interest in...classic movies...it didn't seem like there were any group "events." It was just individuals looking for someone so they didn't have to go to a movie by themselves. Which, if you are a true movie buff, is stupid.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

I've gotten good advice on GC before, and I could use a hand again.

I've moved for three months to a city that I know a handful of people in. I'm not close with those people, nor am I close (proximity wise) to them. I'm interning, but the other interns are starting later than me.

Basically, I'm lonely. I don't know how to put myself out there when I'm not in classes or immersed with people who are also looking for connections. It's early, and I know to give it time, but I also don't really know how to start finding friends. All my connections at school are scattered across the nation.

So, what would you suggest?

ETA: To clarify, I've done a lot of walking and exploring, and I've really enjoyed it. And my weekends I plan on going to all the museums around here (mostly with a good friend who is up here). But it's the weekday evenings that I'm struggling with.

ETA2: This is also just a summer placement! I won't be here beyond three months, so long term commitments (many service organization) are out.

OMG story of my life right now. Thankfully the other intern showed up this weekend and we're being housed down the hall from each other and she's a lot of fun. Before she got here I was walking around taking pictures for FB for fun and going to the movies and to eat alone.

I can't think of a single interesting thing I did that didn't scream ALONE though. If the other intern hadn't showed up, I might have gone home to visit and stayed! lol. It was hard to be alone all the time, sitting bed watching tv got old fast. Red box too. I ran out of movies to watch. The town where I am is so small that I'd have to drive a long distance to do something fun and I'd have to do it alone! I tried contacting the local alumnae chapter, reading the newspaper for events, etc. I envy that you at least have museums to go to. I just got my webcam, so Skyping helped.

One thing I did do, when I was invited somewhere I didn't turn down an invitation. Also if you don't have a boyfriend, online dating (safely and resposibly) is a nice way to get out once in a while. If you do, then some just have friendship match ups as well.

[Smile_Awhile]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I joined Meet Up today- probably going to a trivia night next week. My good friend and I are hitting Navy Pier tomorrow. The other interns are filtering in and we're already trying to schedule a hang out time.

I'm still terribly homesick, but I can (kind of) see a light.

Once again, thanks.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by 33girl

"Right group" is key. I had someone pushing meetup to me and when I looked, 60% of the groups were "mommy" meetups. The one that I did have an interest in...classic movies...it didn't seem like there were any group "events." It was just individuals looking for someone so they didn't have to go to a movie by themselves. Which, if you are a true movie buff, is stupid.

I joined the local "live music lovers" meet-up and the guy who started it just uses the monthly meet-up to only promote his shitty heavy metal band.

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

Thanks for the advice guys.

I joined Meet Up today- probably going to a trivia night next week. My good friend and I are hitting Navy Pier tomorrow. The other interns are filtering in and we're already trying to schedule a hang out time.

I'm still terribly homesick, but I can (kind of) see a light.

Once again, thanks.

Woah, are you in Chicago??? If so, you should find plenty to do and plenty of people to meet.

Just sayin'