To not understand what these magical hobbies are that I should have?

[Strawberriesandcream1]

So I name changed for this one. I started a thread last week about how lonely I was. (I have literally no friends and am desperately lonely when I’m not at work) I got some helpful advice but I got a lot of general answers about staring new hobbies and clubs. The thing is I literally have no idea what sort of things people are talking about, I already go to the gym so apart from that what do you all do?

Unihorn brilliant

I thought you meant Harry Potter ‘magical’

We haven’t had a good Woo thread for ages.

Just to clarify... I don't do all these things, but, if you are lookig to meet people, think about what takes your fance :

Sport - join a team - join a running group or a fitness class or something like a Couch to 5K or Park runs

Music - do you play anything ? There are so many levels you can contribute something, from joining bands / groups / orchestras / accompanying others / going to groups to entertain others. Or singing, again, can be done at so many levels

Volunteering - if you have the energy to volunteer with something like Scouts of Guides you will join a massive family of volunteers, and make many friends. If you have less time and less energy or just don't like kids you can do something like My local Hospice has local groups who meet in each others houses to plan the odd fund raising event - running a quiz or a dance or something. The commitment is as much as you can offer, but lovely way to get to know a few other people without it being to 'full on'. Or you could volunteer in helping to maintain a building or a campsite. Or cooking at a lunch club.

Purely for yourself (but again to meet others) - a book group.... a craft group... something like 'Knit and Natter..... go to your local Church and ask if they are doing any projects that need volunteers (so our Church needs further volunteers at Toddler Group, in our maintenance Group, in a language cafe, in our dementia support group, running our lunch club, in a creative writing group for EAL folk, or in a feeding the homeless group). Or part of the home befriending Team.

Or you could dance. Or pay ping pong. Or find a darts team.

It's really difficult without knowing what might interest you and what horrifies you

I crochet...at the moment I do it for some peace and quiet whilst sat on my lazy ass but I am contemplating joining a craft club or getting my super motivated friend to organise one for me.

Also, we got a puppy recently and having never had a pet in my life, I’m bowled over by what wonderful company a dog can be.

I meet people walking my dog. Otherwise I just mumsnet and it make me late for everything never mind adding new hobbies that could also be late for.

I go to an art group. I love it and have made sure to arrange my whole work week pattern so that I can keep going to it. I tried various other things before I found the one I loved, though.

IME it is extremely difficult to make friends as an adult. I have mostly made friends with colleagues but found the friendships naturally dwindle when I or they leave the workplace. I have tried voluntary work and baby groups but have really struggled.

I dont think the OP is getting the answers shes asked for here

Pilates? Really? Ive been to a squillion pilates classes and not one of them was "social". People just roll up their mats and leave!

Most exercise groups are like this unless you join a team! But not many teams take absolute beginners...

I joined a drawing class this year. It's ten weeks & lots of the ppl now meet up outside of the class to go to the cinema each week. Seemed a great way to learn a new skill (and there's a big mix of abilities) whilst making friends

Taiko drumming. It’s great not the sort of thing you would think to take up but a group started up and it’s once a week occasional social drinks etc. Just look for something near to you to start if you don’t enjoy it leave and try another group.
Is there a WI near you? Our local one does lots of fun events and again you might meet a few people who suggest a coffee or walk at the weekend. It takes time just take a step.

Well it would help to know a little more about you...
Do you have dc?
I am involved with the PTA at dd's school which is very time consuming,
church activities - as a PP said there are loads of potential things going on in many churches you may like to get involved with.
Do you like nature? Walks, photography, English Heritage, National Trust? - lots have local groups you could join.
Amateur dramatics? A local church to me has a great group that do this.
I used to be a Brownie leader which is great fun.
Adult Education classes? I am doing a cookery course which is fun and the group are lovely, we are getting to know each other which is good.
If you are nearer retirement age the U3A (University of the 3rd Age) has loads of activities you could join - search your local area, very varied groups.
Volunteering? The website do-it.org will list things local to you that people want help with.
Loads of great ideas on this thread, anything you fancy yet??

Where do you people find time for this shit. 3 kids work 3 days a week and lucky if I find time to get to Zumba once a week.
Isnt there just one thing youve always wanted to do if not volunteer at least youll be helping others.

What do you like doing, OP?

It depends what you’re looking by for. If it’s company and a laugh at the time then outdoor group exercise classes are far more social than just going to the gym. Or running clubs.
For making actual friends then walking clubs are good (hours to chat) or longer term volunteering.
Some of my best friends were met at a martial arts class.

I also joined a choir and I have made the most friends from it that I've ever made doing anything.

It's true that sports and activity classes can be a bit luck of the draw in terms of if they're social or not (a lot depends on the venue and the tutor) but the more things you try, the more likely you are to hit on something you enjoy. My top tip would be to keep going with whatever it is for a couple of months unless you absolutely hate it. It can take time to click with something.

Another option would be volunteering where you help others directly: three examples that spring to mind are reading to children in schools, mentoring young people locally (or through a business professional association) or signing up for one of the WRVS schemes (although when I did that I found they were not geared up for full time workers).

Another vote for music.
If you play an instrument then great look for a local community band or orchestra.
If not you must be able to find a choir. I read recently that there is something like two million people in the UK who now sing in a choir. That's a lot of potential new friends

Tootiredtospeak Rolling around with laughter choked on my snickers !
What an opening line ! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂