Ever feel like you're in prison?

[Fizog]

I do! stuck in the house alone at about 6:30 every night.

I know it's probably the nights drawing in that has made me feel like this but I am so miserable at the moment, had a terribly night last night, I felt really lonely

Can you get a babysitter/relative/friend to look after the kids one or two nights a week and go out? Even to a fitness class or evening class or out with friends.

Invite friends round for a coffee/supper/glass of wine.

My parents babysit for me a lot, I can't ask them anymore and I can't afford to pay someone. I go to the gym in the mornings after I drop dd at nursery and before I go to work.

Just stressed at work and a bit lonely at the moment, I think that's what it is. Wish I had someone to talk to in the evenings.

Girl friends come round once a month(ish) for wine and take-away, they're pretty good to be honest but I feel like I'm putting them out

Mumsnet is always good for that in the evening!

Why would your friends be put out, Fizog? Surely it's a treat to share wine and takeaway with a friend?

Get some better friends .

Seriously, widen your social circle somehow. Is there a colleague, neighbour or mum at the nursery you'd like to get to know better? Invite them to supper. You might not gel with every one but if you make one new friend out of it it's worth it. Don't be afraid to ask couples either. I did it all the time when I was single. And my dh and I go to single friends for supper. Why not?

I think it's a treat if someone wants to cook for me, even if it's just an omelette.

I only have access to MN through work so am concious of the time I spend on here in an evening as it's all monitored.

My friends don't make me feel like I'm putting them out, I just feel like I am!!

I'm stumped when it comes to widening my circle of friends, I can't afford to go out & get a sitter I feel like my parents do too much for me already. Not to mention the number of hours I work and the fact that I am studying full time too. Couple that with the fact that I'm quite shy and live in a fairly small town/large village.

I'm thinking about this and I feell ike I'm putting obsticles in the way but I just can't see a way round it.

Oh I just feel rubbish.

When you're feeling low you can't imagine having the energy to create change in your life. But you can do it. Little by little. Speak to someone new each day. You might find one or two you just click with.

I am sure your friends enjoy the wine and takeaway evening, I know I would, so every time those doubts creep into your mind tell yourself what rubbish that is and how much your friends must be looking forward to the next time

Thanks Anorak.

I think it is just that I'm feeling low. Where do I meet 2 new people a day?

I know lots of people at work but nobody that I would go out with in a nevening even if I had the time. I think I would just really like to meet someone which isn't helping as I just feel really desperate (for want of a better word)

I'm not suggesting you leap straight into inviting a new person round. Just speak to someone new every day, even if it's just about the weather. At work, at the school gate, at the gym, in a local shop, whatever. Friendships begin with 'how are you?'. It takes time. But you won't know who you are going to gel with until you get beyond the initial stage of conversing.

you're absolutely right!!

Well dd is in bed, I've just had my dinner. I am so miserable and have a splitting headache but thought I'd dare to drop in quickly before I slope off to bed as can't be bothered to stay awake or in fact do anything

I sometimes want to go to bed at this time of night even though I have plenty to do! Especially with a splitting headache!

Parenting is very tiring stuff.