Sometimes when you get a divorce, friends often feel they have to pick sides. It can be surprising to see how many friends go away. While you probably do have friends that are still around, it is a good idea to make friends with people who didn’t know you when you were married. Here are some places and ways you can go about meeting new people.
Online Divorce Support Groups
There are many messages boards and gathering places online that are solely for the divorced. Joining one of these places is a great way to chit-chat with others who are going through (or have gone through) a divorce. Not only can you make new friends, these types of groups are a great place to vent about your ex with people who do not know them.
Friendship Sites
The last thing a newly divorced individual probably wants to do is get back into the dating scene. However, you may still enjoy the company of talking with people of the opposite sex. There are friendship sites on the internet (like Just Epals) that you can join where people of all backgrounds congregate. Because these sites cater only to platonic friendships, you don’t have to worry that the people you are becoming friends with have joined the site for ulterior motives—such as seeking dates or hookups.
Get Out of the House
There is no way you are going to make new friendships in your area if you stay secluded away while you lick your emotional wounds. Take your dog for a walk in the park, go to a movie, walk around at a free museum, sit in on a poetry reading at a local coffee shop, accept invitations from your relatives to events that will help you come in contact with new people, etc. Get out of the house and be friendly. If you do, new friendships will come.
Local Groups and Clubs
Whether it is a divorce group, a mommy-and-me play group, a book club, or a church group, these types of local groups and clubs and others like them are great places to meet new people and make new friends. Join a group that is of interest to you and attend regularly. Be open and friendly and you are sure to make new friends.
Take a Class
Even if you have your degree, consider taking some type of class. The class may be hobby related, or it can be something that will help you in your profession. Classes are ripe for friendships and will often have off-site activities such as conferences, field trips, and more that will give you extra time to forge relationships with your classmates.