Ideas for making friends please

[Crushinghard]

I seem to have lost my friends. I have some friends, all nice people to meet up with for a coffee from time to time, but I miss having a close friend or two.
Previous close friends have moved too far away for regular chats, or have become too busy with their families.
Dd is moving schools in sept, and at her current school there are some nice mums but no one I've really clicked with.
I've made an effort with some people I've met online, but again, they are coffee morning friends, no more. I work almost full time. There is one woman there who I really like but for various reasons can't be a close friend. I study from home so don't really have time to join clubs etc, also, I need to make time to connect with dh.
Thing is, most of my previous close friends have been a bit edgey and different to the norm, and they are few and far between.
I'm 35 this year, am a science geek, one child, use the Internet as a substitute for friends at the moment, and am very outspoken and honest. Wwyd?
Tia.

Where do you live?

Outer regions of nw London, middx/herts area.

we should be friends.

Firstly, I would make the effort to reconnect with old friends, as you know you like them! They aren't too far away to use a telephone, and you could go and visit to get the friendship re-established. They may be delighted to hear from you (and as children get older and the family thing is a bit less intense, may have more time for old friends anyway). It does take effort though, I have visited a couple of friends on my own (leaving children with my husband) because I realised if I waited for all our families to meet up, it would never happen.

Otherwise, I would be friends with people you like. It's a shame about the lady at work, as finding someone you gel with is quite hard. But I wouldn't pick people because they are mums, one of the best only friends I've made in the last five years is single and a few years younger than me, but we get on brilliantly.

But you do need to make time for people to be friends, you say you can't join any clubs (no time) and need to spend time with your husband etc, well, yes, but you do have to invest a few evenings/morning coffees with someone regularly, plus phone/email a bit. I don't think texting every now and again counts.

Have you tried forums for your interests if you are a bit geeky (I am and so is my husband, so I meant that nicely!) I know lots of people who love a certain show, or have a hobby and they tend to meet intelligent interesting people that way, and may be good if you don't want to join a choir/walking group which are my usual suggestions!

Thanks hardgoing. I should try to reconnect with old friends, there is one in particular I should write to, she is in Australia so I can't visit but must make more of an effort with.
You're right that I need to put some time and effort into friendships. I'll have a look at forums too, thank you.
Eandz, I'll pm you, thanks.

crushing

I've messaged you back. In email too.

Crushing, I have exactly the same problem except I work from home as well! It's a nightmare as I just don't get out much in order to meet new people, and even if I did, I tend to favour a quirky, unusual type of person that seems a bit thin on the ground.
I'm in Cornwall but if want another online friend feel free to PM me

if you* want; crappy spelling, long day, sorry :)