To think people don't really want to do anything much, ever?

[Leavingsosoon]

Weekends are family time and you cannot intrude on this as a rule.

If people are working in the week they (totally understandably) don't want to or can't do anything then.

I'm on my own with children. I love them to pieces, I really do - but part of that is wanting to be a really positive role model to them and I'd like to see them see out, enjoy myself (I'm talking meeting friends for coffee potentially here by the way, not having a heavy night out!)

But how do you get through the barrier of family time?

Where do they all hang out, is the question!

I don't understand why some people don't understand! Maybe people ought to look back over the last few months and consider how many single mum friends they've seen at the weekend. It can be very, very lonely.

I know a lot of people here are totally against it but church groups are very active on Sundays. Families get together after service. Lots of inviting people over for lunch. Big get togethers.

Thank you Imperial - I was just starting to think I was a complete weirdo!

I've considered church actually but sometimes they can be a bit 'adopting you out of the goodness of their hearts' not because they like you.

My absolute ideal would be a few other single mums!

I don't think you have to go as far as going to church!

I think you should try the MN Locals and also (sorry) go onto NetMums and see what's going on locally there, too.

Hehe - nethuns! Good ideas!

I think the people who don't get it are perhaps not lone parents!

I agree with the poster who said that if it were two couples they'd be more inclined but if its a couple and a single mum, the dad is less keen and so neither come.

Try using Facebook to reach out to local friends. If you post something on there on Thursday or Friday saying that you're planning on going to xyz at the weekend and if anyone wants to join you they can send you a message (arrange it privately as then if you get no replies people won't presume you're a saddo, they'll assume other people have private messaged you!)

I know exactly how you feel. When XH and I first split up everyone was all "ooh if you want a night out or someone to babysit give me a shout" but whenever I did ask if they were free to come out or able to babysit for a date they'd be busy. It's a nice offer, but if you can't fulfil it, don't' bother offering!

Now I have a new DP and he often meets up with his family at weekends and sometimes I tag along, but quite often I'm glad to have nothing to do!

I'm sure going back to work will help you in all respects - you'll get adult conversation, the chance to make new friends and be too tired to care about going out at weekends too!