<p>i’m a recent graduate who used to have a group of friends (6-8) who would hang out on a weekly basis. They’ve all moved away for jobs and I’m wondering how i should go about making new friends. I’ve joined the gym but there isn’t much interaction as well as a swimming class but everyone is way older than i am.</p>
<p>For the parents…at what age would you say its “normal” to not have a group of friends that you hang out with weekly?</p>
<p>I’m not a parent but I am a fairly recent grad and I understand what this can be like. </p>
<p>One big suggestion is to join ■■■■■■■■■■ to find groups of people interested in some of the similar things that you are. Also, find out if there are any “social sports” leagues in your area. In DC, for example, there are adult kickball leagues, skee ball leagues, frisbee, bocce ball, etc etc etc. These leagues are organized strictly for social interaction and fun, and you usually don’t have to have any actual athletic skill to play. After every game there’s an organized meet up of all the teams at a nearby bar, great way to meet people and have fun. Even if you don’t drink, you can hang out and socialize. (the exception to this is probably softball, which is a social league where you actually need some athletic skill). </p>
<p>Another good idea is to see if your college has a local “club” in the area and if that club has any young alum events. If they don’t, maybe you can offer to organize some. Young alum happy hours are a great way to meet new neighbors with whom you might have something in common. </p>
<p>Many, many organizations also sponsor events aimed at young adults. That includes cultural places like museums, theater, and opera, as well as libraries, places of worship, etc. Join one of these events and see if you like it. Volunteering can also be a great way to meet new people. If there’s a Science Center or Aquarium or similar around you that takes volunteers, many of thier volunteers will likely be younger people, so that can be a fun way to help your community and meet people at the same time. </p>
<p>It’s important to have friends, and I don’t know if it’s ever “normal” to just not have any at any age. You don’t need to have a boat-load of them, but everyone needs a few friends to hang out with and talk to some of the time.</p>
<p>Thermo. </p>
<p>Welcome to Transitions 102. You probably went through 101 when you left high school and went to a college where you had to make a new group of friends. The quicker you learn how to make successful transitions the better.</p>
<p>My answer is join, join, join. Anything you enjoy doing. Sports teams (bar leagues), church groups, volunteer groups, outdoors clubs, book clubs etc. </p>
<p>Depending on your personality this could come easy or be horrendously difficult but do it. It works.</p>
<p>crosspost with above…exactly</p>
<p>Do you have a job? When I first moved to start my first job I found other people of like age in the organization and we started hanging out and doing things together. We were all in the same boat. Those friendships lasted a long time.</p>
<p>One other suggestion: does your college have an alumni association in your area?</p>