So have posted/commented before but namechanged as I think this post combined with other things I've posted may out me!
A few months ago I moved over 4hrs drive away from both my uni town and my home town with my boyfriend. We are each others best friends, but he works/studies some weekends and evenings, whereas I work your typical 9-5, and also I do realise it's not very healthy to rely on one person for company so much, so I want to make some friends.
I have no idea how to make them though. I haven't ever really had to make friends. The only time I've ever had to move away from school friends is when I went to uni. But making friends there is easy as uni just put you living in halls with strangers who become your friends.
I work, and do get on with my coworkers, we talk at work and go for the odd drink/meal together which is really nice, but they are no friend friends (by this I mean I wouldn't invite one of them to go for a coffee on a random sunday, its more of a drinks after work friendship). I think the problem is that we are at a different stage in life, I am 22 with no children living in rented accom, whereas they are older with kids and a mortgage.
I kind of get the gist of how to make friends/what will be suggested which is go to an exercise class, join a hobby group, however I am really socially anxious a need a bit of a hand hold through it (my mental health isn't 100% there meaning I over analyse everything I do and say which leads to me finding it difficult to do or say anything (I am getting help for this btw) ).
I just don't know what to do. Theres part of me thats too scared to join a club so would rather sit and watch netflix alone. But another part of me wants some interaction other than talking to my boyfriend or making chit chat to collegues.
Please help me, I know the advice is probably to grow up and join a club, but I just need a bit of a handhold.