I'm stuck in a rut and it's difficult to find my way out

[FattyAirways]

I work hard in a stressful job. Although my job is stressful, I like it, it pays very well and my colleagues on the whole are wonderful.

I live alone, no kids and i've been single now for around three years.

I have no friends to speak of. Not good friends anyway and apart from going out every once in a while with my colleagues, I don't socialise. I'd love to, but after a friendship breakdown which has resulted in me losing my friendship group, I don't know where to start and massively lack confidence of where to start with finding new friends.

Same with dating. I have a pretty face people tell me, but oh, what a fat mess I am. Men don't want me for more than a casual encounter.

I have anxiety too, mostly around work.

Anyone else feeling the same?

You've already made a good start by recognising what you need and want.

I've moved round a lot over the years so got used to having to make new friends.

A hobby is a good start. You need to find time to go out and do something each week to meet new people. Learning a language at an evening class? Pottery? Art? Netball? Badminton?

Forget the dating bit for now as if you start making friends through common hobbies, you then might meet someone you'd like to date.

Try SPICE friendship groups or look up some on FB for your local area - there’s a lot of people in your situation.

My DSis joined and is never home