I am determined to make some friends

[CrypticCode]

...this year

U am 40 and I have noone.

So I have a plan.

Each month I am going to try something new. Funds are limited so not massive things, but a new group or something?

So I have booked in to attend a local book group and have ordered the book.
I have sent inquiry emails to WI, NWR and townswomans guild. (Not sure these are for me, but let's see what happens)

Where else can I look to meet people?

There is a local social group but they all seem to know each other and the events are converts etc whereas I would prefer a coffee type setting.

Choir.

If you can read music, there are lots of possibilities. Or if you don't, there are still some that will teach you the songs by ear. You don't have to be able to sing well or solo or anything - there are choirs for every level, and once you're in the midst of people, nobody hears you particularly. You can sing very quietly at first! and there's usually a pub trip afterwards, or a tea break, or social events, but you don't have to join in any of it to start with - just being there for reherasals will mean you can slowly get to know who people are, if you want, and then later on join the more social stuff. And group singing is very good as a social bonding thing and fun.

If you join one that has regular rehearsals and concerts, then it's easier to get to know people than one where it's more of a drop in thing.

When you are in a group like this, there is often a committee that helps with marketing, social events, etc, and they often wants volunteers, which can help you get to know people more quickly.

Good for you op. I’m following. I don’t have friends either but with three kids also don’t really have time

Loads of us I'm sure in same situation. Maybe we should start up drunk chickens running club???

Get stuck into the things you are genuinely interested in, and your enthusiasm for it will come through. Start a su do ku club if you don’t have one. Ask your fave cafe to put on a sudoku night?

Whatever it is, you need to already be interested - You’ll be able to talk about the topic properly, and help/advise others, which will in turn, draw them in.

Or, you could do a volunteering job, for the fun of it - somewhere you’ll genuinely enjoy being.

I personally don’t think brand new hobbies are going to help - you don’t know the basics, you’ll be self conscious. People don’t go to Zumba to chat.

Are there any sports you are interested in?
I ride and last year I took on a new loan horse on a busy stable yard. The other women there are fantastic and I would class them as friends already.
I also open water swim in the warmer months. It is generally an inclusive sport with a welcoming bunch of people and easy to make friends.

Could you do with losing 7lb or more? If so you could join a slimming club? Single out a potential friend for walking or something outside of the group?

Try to join a pub quiz team. Or find out if pub has a board game night/ organise one
Go to the same coffee shop same time each week see if anyone else shows up at the same time.
Local Ramblers group.

@Bran21

Loads of us I'm sure in same situation. Maybe we should start up drunk chickens running club???

Brilliant! Are you in Hertfordshire

Sports..see drunk chicken above!

Singing...strangled cat!

I will look at the ramblers groups again. There may be a younger one somewhere near.

I'd like to make new friends for 1-1 friendships rather than groups. I have school age kids but not interested in making friends with people linked to the kids, would rather make friends independently. I've always made friends easily through work but have been too flakey to keep them and I live 30 miles from work now and would like to make friends closer to home. Female friends only. I'm in my 40s. Reading this thread with interest.

Unfortunately up north . Good luck with your quest I'll keep looking at post for ideas. I'm 46 and I've focused on kids for last 12 years I've forgot about me and lost touch with everyone too.

Snap 44 in bucks area. As I've got older, moved had kids, friendships have dwindled. Did think of wi but not my age group sadly

I second Meet Up groups. I didn't know a soul when I moved to where I am now, but, thanks to a local MU group, I have loads of lovely and genuine friends.

Good luck OP and enjoy yourself!