How do I make more friends and get new hobbies?

[NeedSomeAnswersPlease]

I'm aware this is a very broad question.

I'm 25, and live in a small, deprived seaside town. There's not much for anyone under the age of 70, any groups that are on are in the middle of the workday and so they're off the table.

I've ordered crochet sets from Amazon, I try painting etc., but I'm just not good at art at all. Anything creative I just struggle with. I looked into pottery lessons but they're very expensive for what they are and I don’t know it it would be my type of thing, it looks cool though.

All of my friends from uni live 2-3 hours away and even though we speak everyday and go for weekends away it's just not the same as having someone you can see on a whim on a Friday night is it?

I was bullied very badly in school and I think that's part of it, all of my hobbies are very solitary things - reading, baking, cooking. I love f1 and football but don't think they can be described as hobbies and in any event I go to these with my brother and dad.

I just feel a bit lost. I feel like I don't have much of an identity and want to be this interesting person and, eventually, settle down and meet someone. I've never dated anyone because I'm overweight and keep telling myself I'll find someone when I've lost the weight and I'm more attractive, and dating apps are a total waste of time down here. Nobody can carry a conversation to save their lives.

What do I do? I feel like an old hermit already and just feel so sad that I'm such a loner

@Keepingongoing I'm one of four and the only one who bothers. The rest are all happy to take take take but never help out. My parents have done so much for us as children that I'd hate for them to feel alone in their old age

@NeedSomeAnswersPlease I do understand. You sound like a lovely, caring person x

Wouldn’t your parents want you to have a life? And recognise that if there are few opportunities for you in your hometown, then that you should feel free to seek them elsewhere? I’d hate my child to limit himself socially and professionally because of where I happened to live?

@Bastide I'm sure they do but I'm not about to turn around and say I've only stayed here because of them, I'd hate for them to feel guilty

You don't need to tell them that.

OP, obviously I’m not expecting you to say where you live but if, for example, it’s somewhere like Skegness, then you may struggle to find what you need. And I accept you can’t move at the moment, but if nothing has changed in the next five years, despite trying, then maybe move to a bigger place that’s not miles from your parents?

You’re making them sound very unaware. Do they genuinely think a 25 year old with the world before her has freely opted to stay in a deprived seaside town when she could move elsewhere for a better life for any reason other than them?

There's been some great suggestions on here.
And bear in mind all these older people have sons and daughters and other family members they could introduce you to..not in a formal way but like.."let's do a pub quiz/games night/beach thing, why don't you bring along your DD Jane?"

Good suggestions. Walk group be good I met nice lady through that we meet for odd coffee. Not easy and takes time to meet new people.

Move and or a weight watchers club?

Could you do a masters in a uni town? Would help you get more qualified, meet people and live somewhere more fun?

Ps maybe try counselling too xxxx