How to make female friendships in your 40’s?

[Taffydog]

As above really. I’ve been split up with my ex husband for 8 years. Had a few relationships since then - never serious enough I’d want to live with them. But think sometimes I’ve got into them just for some company in an evening or someone to chat to. I have kids who I don’t want to introduce a father figure into their lives (only one relationship has spent any time around them during those years). But to be completely honest I’d rather be single - love my independence and space. Even enjoying solo holidays and I will go out on my own to a concert etc.

I would really like some female friendships though - think this would fill the gap perfectly. But how do you meet people for friendship? Kids older now so don’t come into contact with school mums. I work from home with little contact with others through my job. Do have caring responsibilities with the kids as some have additional needs but could get out for an evening. Does anyone have any ideas? I’m already planning my New Year’s resolution to be man free and try and expand my social network but no idea where to begin 🤣

I’m 52, also happily single, & have made most of my friends over the past 10 years through feminist campaigning & volunteering at my local animal shelter.

Do you have any interests that might have potential for meeting people?

I like dog walking and reading - I looked at some walking groups but people were probably more retirement age and I’m not sure we’d have much in common, though thinking of giving it a go anyway. Glad it’s worked for you!

You need to go to lots and lots of different things.
Don’t worry so much about who you’re meeting on any given day, but just go and you’ll find even if those people aren’t quite right to be friends, they’ll likely introduce you to others or suggest ideas for other groups/activities you might not be aware of.

But the key thing is, go out and do loads.

I did this, having moved to an area I knew no one. It took a while, but now I have lots of friends and go out 2-4 times a week socialising with someone I know. Plus hobbies where they aren’t friends as such but I know them for a chat at the hobby.

That’s a good idea - maybe I’ll find new hobbies I like too!! I’m thinking I need to give it some time hence viewing it as a long term thing over the next year. Even stuff online maybe as it’s often in an evening after kids are in bed I feel at a loose end

Following I’m so lonely

The way to make friends with the opposite sex is universal. There are no rules for special people. What works for one, works for all.

The OP’s looking to make friends of her own sex.

As you like reading, start a book club. Mine was started by someone posting in the local community Facebook page. It's a social outing once month, and gradually you will build up friendships with them.

Same with any other interest or hobbies you have, find a local group for this interest. You will meet the same people again and again. When you find someone you think you would like to be friends with, invite them to meet up outside the group. Either just for coffee or for something related to your shared interest.

Meetup is good for finding community and interest/hobby groups locally. You might find a walking group for people of a similar age.

If you like team sports, maybe sign up with social sports site like gomammoth or find try and find a padel group near you?

Ooh there’s a few ideas here that I hadn’t thought of thank you!! I think the key from what people are saying is to try a variety of different things and have some patience

Volunteering at parkrun!