I have made some wonderful friends here. They don't replace my 30 + year friends of course but there is still time. It is difficult if you live where there are lots of snowbirds or rentals especially.
I'll present a challenge to you. Every day get up, look at the rec news and approach the day with trying something new. Go to things early and strike up a conversation. Ask for help or ask what the activity is about. Try line dancing, yoga, water aerobics, shuffleboard lessons, mah jong lessons and so on. Call the person listed in the paper to find out how early you need to get there to ensure a spot or take a lesson. Try some crafty stuff like stamping, visit a quilt group, one stroke painting, again calling to see what the membership parameters are. Attend a meeting of one of the big social clubs to see what they are about. Like your state club, parrot heads, baby boomers, again calling to see the guest policy and if there is a waiting list. Also, look at all the groups who work hard to make a difference in other peoples lives. I am thinking honor flight, operation shoebox, habitat for humanity, guardian ad litum and again parrot heads to name a few.
I bet you will find a few activities that really hit home with you, and meet some nice people you want to pursue a friendship with along the way. One of the groups I am in I enjoy, but people have been together for 7+ years and have long established relationships so that has been hard. On the other hand I met some nice gals at Mah Jong lessons and we agreed to meet the following week and have played ever since. One of them and I have a lot in common and have met outside the activity and I feel a friendship forming. I have made several very good friends at yoga and water aerobics. The funniest thing is I keep seeing the same people at multiple activities.
There are so many people out there who want to keep an active mind and body, be creative and do good for others. These are the best years of our lives. We have beautiful wether, are surrounded by a beautiful community and wonderful people. Avoid the few grumps and have fun.
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