Making new friends and a social circle

[Darknessfalls]

Mine seems to have fallen apart. So called best friend who I have been there for with bitter divorce, helping babysit kids etc has 'dumped' me for a new friend. Upset but also relieved as it was a toxic friendship..

I have other friends or acquaintances, as in work colleagues or some mums who I met at school gate. My best friend lives elsewhere in the UK and other good friend doesn't have kids and I feel that our friendship is limited to when I can be free without DC, I don't like throwing them in her face when she is going through difficulties to conceive.

My DC are at school but with me working full time it's hard to meet other mums or make new friends. I'm feeling quite down and lost today and want the kids to have non school friends to play with.

Any ideas how I can get out of this rut? Thanks in anticipation...

Find a hobby that interests you, one that is conducive to chatting (like knitting or a book club) and join a club. Likewise for your DC, you might find a club where you get to chat to the other parents.

Be easy on yourself. It takes time to build up a friendship circle so be patient because it's worth it.

Oh and don't beat yourself up about the toxic friend. They eat away at your self esteem and it's better to be alone than putting up with shitty friends.

You're well rid of toxic 'friend'.

How about getting involved in some child related volunteering - PTA, Scouts, playgroup etc.

Thanks all

DC have started a new sport today and I was chatting to another mum, won't jump for a friendship but it's a start.

What with kids evening activities I get fairly shattered in the week but think I need to make an effort. Working full time now makes it difficult as activities usually early evening when travelling home.

Some positives today but still feeling blue about friend even if she is toxic.

Our local adult ed centre and the museum do weekend and holiday activities for families - something like that? I always find choirs are good for meeting people and a mood boost too - I do classical singing but I hear good things abot Rock Choir.

I joined Meetup.com which is amazing, typed in who I wanted to meet - e.g., people like me same age, and a local group came up, they plan coffee mornings, cinema trips, shopping etc, there's normally 3 events a week some cheap like a walk round the local market and some more expensive like dinner. Maybe see what is in your area? (PS not a dating site!!)