Making friends in new area

[Chattysusan]

Ok I know this type of question has probably been done to death but I would still love some creative ideas if anyone has any. We have lived in our new town for about a year and we have not made any friends yet. One guy tried to befriend my hubby but he was a bit of a loose unit so we dodged that one 😂😂 Kids are older so haven’t met anyone through them, we both don’t work in the community we live in. No real hobbies. I’ve joined the gym just to try to meet people but it hasn’t really worked as yet. How else do you make friends in your 40’s. I’m feeling really lonely at the moment as we’ve moved around a bit over the years we haven’t really got any solid friends and I’m finding it really hard.

We’ve moved a few months ago to a new area as well and are building up our lives in our new place.
I had a good social live in my previous city and do miss my old life, and am aware I enjoy socialising so need to put effort into building this up.
I do have a hobby, so joined the local club, which gave me 2x Christmas drinks this week.
I went online and joined ‘outdoor women’ on Facebook. When someone posted a suggestions for a hike local to me, I joined in. I now regularly hike with 1 lovely woman who I met on that 1st hike.
One of dh’s colleague lives in the same town as us. We asked if they enjoy doing a pub quiz , which they did, and we’re doing them regularly now.

It’s these things that’ll hopefully build up a circle of acquaintances and later friends.
If you currently don’t have a hobby, maybe try out something you’re interested in? Choir, sport (a club is often more social than a gym), craft - anything that gets you talking to people will help.

Good luck, it’s not easy but doable.

Hi @Chattysusan I'm in a similar position. Moved here three years ago, just me and my DP. No kids; his hobbies are solitary, I don’t make time for mine.

I flit between wanting local friends to meet for coffee and realising I don’t make time to speak to/see my dear friends living elsewhere.

Things I’ve considered:

Park Run, volunteering if you don’t fancy doing the 5K - it’s a great community.

There’s a local FB group for women in the area. They organise book clubs, walks, drinks etc. I signed up for one but bailed last minute. Maybe I’ll be braver next year…

Is there a local charity/group you can volunteer at? Book club maybe - even if you’re not into the book, they often involve wine or cake!

I made a really good friend through a Facebook group for women over 35 in my city. I think I was really lucky as we just hit it off straight away and she happened to live a10 min walk from me. If you have any interests or hobbies that would probably help, I just went to a pub meet up through the group.

Volunteering, I have made a couple of great friends doing that when we moved. Also DH joined a sports team and has made good friends there and I have become friends with of the wives.

Another one for volunteering - I’ve done a similar move, am slightly older but have joined a school governing body and a local community trust. I do similar stuff in my day job so sitting with an opinion in a meeting is my main skill! (Sad I know) I’ve met some lovely people

This is very tricky. Joined my gym for the exercise and the social, but I've concluded gyms aren't the place to make friends. London is doubly difficult. Got some mates in local area, Greenwich, but get the inherent difficulty here. I'd suggest going to local events, get known in the community, pop into a pub now and again, hobbies, golf, substitute something you're interested in.