Feeling lonely?

So, I've been feeling really lonely the past few days. I just moved to a new city, and I don't really have anyone to hang out with. It's not that I'm not good at making friends.. I just have no clue how to. Like, in high school you were with the same people every day so of course it was easy to make friends. But now the only places I go is to work.. and most of my coworkers are a lot older than me. I'm 19 and single, they're in the thirty to forty range, with families..

So, basically, could I get some advice on where to go to make friends? I'm not old enough to drink, so that crosses bars off the list. And in all honesty, I'm kinda broke.. like my diet is going great because I can't afford to buy groceries other than the basics kinda broke (haha). So.. maybe go to a cafe? I can probably nurse a chai tea all night and read a book..

And, I'm kind of shy. I prefer people to talk to me first, but obviously that isn't going to get me anywhere fast. So.. what do I say? Like, how do I talk to someone and not come off as creepy? Or, let's say I do talk to someone and we seem to get along, how do I ask them to hang out again without sounding like I'm hitting on them?

Ugh.  :facepalm: I'm a mess =/

How about joining a club? Or go jogging in the park?

I know what you mean about awkward... I'm 30, at university, and the people I see are mostly 19/20. On the other side, all my daughters friends mums are in their late 30's/early 40's, so I can't win lol tho I do find it easier to talk to people older than me. Its hard to make friends when you feel like the odd one out... I've always found it difficult, esp since moving from Canada to England when I was 9.

Good luck!

It takes time to settle into a new city. I am sure you will meet people eventually.  I know there are some Internet sites for people to meet friends, sort of like dating sites, but they match you up with pals that have the same interests.  How about a walking club.  Good exercise, safe and great friend possibilities. 

Anyway, here's a ((((hug))))

~k

The cafe sounds like a start, you could look into volunteer programs or community action groups to join.

Sorry I am not much help, I am an aging recluse in a lot of ways, a fossil really.

I'm sure in time you'll have loads of friends...Good luck!

There are lots of ways to make new friends. It comes down to common interests. I have something in common with all of my friends and if you think back and consider your old friends you'll see you had at least one thing in common with each of those people (it could be as simple as attending the same high school).

What sort of things do you like to do? Find those things and do them.

Say you like to cook, why not volunteer somewhere where you can cook for people? That way you won't have to spend any money and you'll be around new people who will likely embrace you (people who volunteer are generally fairly friendly with each other since there's a sense of comraderie assumed).

One great way I've found to make friends is cheap dance classes. I go to a swing dance class at university which costs $2/week (or $10 for the year. It's Canadian dollars too, so like a quarter in the states). We rotate partners every 5 minutes during lessons so I've gotten to meet a lot of people.

Local volunteering is a GREAT way. Seriously. There is a group that meets called friday friends at my school. It's students who meet with people with intellectual disabilities. Each friday they do an activity so sometimes you'll be treated to a movie out! There are also a lot of university age people (like 18 - 22) who go to this.

When the weather gets warmer there are probably pick up leagues for sports you can join where it might cost you a couple of bucks but you can go join a sport and play with people who will likely talk to you because you're new!

Good luck making new friends. It won't happen if you don't put yourself out there but there are lots of cheap options.

a lot of libraries have book clubs that are completely free... and the people you'll meet... will also love to read

:)

^great advice all^

good luck!

If you like board games, card games or strategy games, get thee to a local gaming store. Often there will be a bunch of people hanging around playing something. And there will often be a bulletin board where you could put up an announcement that you are looking to set up, or join, a weekly games night.

Always works for me. You will get even more calls if your name is obviously female. ;)

Join your local running club maybe