Re: Six Ways to Make a Friend pisces22: My husband left unexpectly to me, 2 months after my father passed away suddenly (that was three months ago) and my immediate reaction was that I had to connect with people. It has been good but sometimes i am almost embarrassed by how much I need people right now. Old friends, new friends and family. I recently reconnected with an old friend and feel embarrassed and crushed when it seemed that this person didn';t want to start a friendship. Ahhhh the ups and downs. I like the suggestions on how to make a friend - its hard sometimes but I keep telling myself it will be worth it. I am taking a creative writing class, I joined a running club and now sing in a choir. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :-[
Six Ways to Make a Friend JimB: This is a topic I've seen come up from time to time, so I thought I'd post it in case anyone finds it helpful. It's from an article called "Friendship: The Laws of Attraction" in the Nov/Dec 2006 issue of Psychology Today (a fantastic magazine, btw). I've done a few of these things and can vouch for their value as ice breakers.
[quote"> Since 1985 the number of Americans who say they have no one to talk to has doubled. Where and how do adults make friends?
- Sign up for a group travel adventure: People tend to bond more easily when out of their comfort zone. The experience will provide an instant group of people with whom you share a unique memory.
- Take a class in something you love: enthusiasm is contagious.
- Get a dog (a pet is also good for your heart) and show up every morning at your local dog park. People love to chat about their pooches.
- Track down old high school or college pals who live in your area, and see if old friendships can be resumed.*
- Take a fresh look at your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, fellow gym bunnies - the people you meet and greet on a regular basis. If you've been standoffish, say hello. If you've traded hellos for months, engage them in conversation.
- Smile.[/quote">
*There's another sidebar to the article titled "How to Rescue a Friendship" - I can post that as well if anyone is interested.
Re: Six Ways to Make a Friend katbuttkid: My space really helped me connect with about 20 old friends-- some from as far back as high school.
It's great to be in contact wiht them again.
But yeah, the dog thing is good. My dog escaped her yard once when my XH and I were going through a lot of fighting. I think she was like "to heck wiht you people!" and left.
She ran about a mile away, and someone called us and I went to go get her.
About 2 months later, I took my son to his outdoor camp on our bikes, with the dog. THere was another mom there and her son. Her son looked like a cool kid, and she looked OK too. But her son saw the dog and said "MOm! It's that dog, HErmione! Cool!"
and she came up and asked me the dog's name.... it was the same dog. She said my dog had come to her yard and stayed wiht them for about 20 minutes, and they had seen her name on her tag, but that Hermione left before she could call me.
I was like "Huh. My dog ran away and went to your yard?"
The weird thing is she and her husband were fighting and in the pre-divorce stage too.
She's one of my best friends today!
You never know what a pet can add to your life.
Tree
Re: Six Ways to Make a Friend surprised: Today I split a pizza with the new girl at work. She seems like someone I could be friends with, it was nice to have someone my age to chat with at work. My best work friend left about 6 months ago, there's been a gap ever since.
Re: Six Ways to Make a Friend Cheri123: I really appreciate this post. Thus far since the divorce I have joined a meet up divorce support group, who keeps cancelling the meet ups, so I haven't met them yet. Joined a writers critique group...since I'm trying to get in touch with people who love to write, and can critique my writing. It was okay. I started going back to school for my masters. I've met a few people...but I'm still having a hard time reaching out and getting close to people.
Today was not a good day for me. I actually stay in the house. I've been having a really down week. I feel horrible, like I'll never meet anyone or do anything again. :(
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