How does a woman make friends

[4justus]

Great Post. This one helped me out a bit. Im actually looking for the same thing! Trying to make friends here seems to be difficult for me. Ive lived here for over a year now.

[Starshine480]

[quote=gimariepe;825500]Thanks Kimbo123 that is a great suggestion. I actually smile and am very pleasant most of the time.

Smiling a lot can present a little bit of a problem also or create questions from your co-workers. On my last job, people were so used to me having a smile on my face most of the time that when I didn't smile, everyone asked me what was wrong with me! You guys have been wonderful with all the suggestions. I have to be honest and quite embarrassed that I hadn't thought of any of these before now. When you know better you will do better. I am learning how to create a web page for other people like me (this was one of the suggested sites from you guys!) who wants to mingle and meet other people with different interests and likes.

Great! What is the name of your website? I'd like to meet people in either Horn Lake, Southaven, or Olive Branch.

[Starshine480]

Thank you for your suggestions, but we don't seem to have anything like yu suggested such as civic clubs, etc. My church members are either older or married and very very occupied with their young children, etc.

[Sam I Am]

How 'bout a hobby of some sort, maybe something you've always wanted to learn? Quilting or throwing pottery or making jewelry? A local arts center? Book clubs? Stained glass? Maybe the Master Gardener's club?

Sorry if you've already thought of all of these - I've just met some really neat people doing all of the above. Just things I wanted to know more about but never really made the time...the other thing might be the no-credit courses at a college somewhere close to you? I've done cooking and wine tasting and weaving and those have been fun too...just trying to brainstorm for you!

Well, now I see that's been mostly covered...taking a deep breath here because it doesn't appeal to me personally, but what about the Junior League? You'd probably run into more younger professionals there that are on the same income level with you...and they do civic work. Being the devil's advocate, I hear they also eat up a lot of your time...

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by 4justus

Great Post. This one helped me out a bit. Im actually looking for the same thing! Trying to make friends here seems to be difficult for me. Ive lived here for over a year now.

It's not just you. Virtually anyone who moves to Mississippi is going to find that it's a little harder to make friends here than other places you might have lived. Mississippi people are just really tight with their families and with their friends that they have known since childhood. I've lived in MS over 7 years now, and it took me about 5 years to break the ice with the locals. I did make friends quickly though with other people who had just moved here. Maybe you should seek out people like that.

[Atlantasfinest]

How about joining an alumni local sorority in the area?

[reign007]

Hello! I don't really have any suggestions outside of what everyone else has suggested.. just sit down and think about the things you enjoy to do when you're not working... i.e. hobbies like cooking, painting, photography, beadwork, etc and join some classes or groups for those. Seems to be the best way to make new friends who are also on your "frequency"!

We just recently moved to MS ourselves, and I know exactly what you mean about it being hard to find some good gal pals who are compatible personality-wise, as well as financially. It totally sucks to want to go out with family or friends, and have everyone magically disappear outside after the meal for a cigarette while you are inside paying the full bill. It can get old fast.

Anyways, I'm so glad you posted! You are definitely not alone in your frustration.

[gene430]

Good thread, I have lived through this via my wife. My career has forced us to move 4-5 times and it really has been hard on my wife. We decided for her to stay at home while my raising my daughter. My daughter is now 12 and becoming more and more independent so my wife is kinda going through a phase of wanting to meet more "gal pals". Here is what I (we ) have learned.;

1) You gotta take the initiative and make it happen.

2) Don't fall into that trap of "well I invited her last time so I'm going to wait for her to reciprocate", etc. We always seem to be the neighbors who have the cook outs, or the super bowl party, etc. You know what, I like it like that. So, my point is, don't keep score. My wife use to be real bad about that and I think it cost her in opportunities.

3) For women especially: Quit analizing so damn much. If you want friends, you better be prepared to put up with imperfections because people are not perfect and sometimes you just got to say, "whatever" and go with the flow.

4) My wife has had alot of success with Newcomers Club, book club, super club with neighbors, and church. She complains that she is always the youngest woman there, but, it beats sitting at home. She also feels that with the older ladies, there is no competition thing going on....(you ladies know what I mean)

5)My wife takes little parttime jobs to get out of the house. (Amazingly I never see any of that money, we have our money and she has her money.....go figure that out!

Bottom line, take the first step, and don't be afraid to extend yourself even if you have to be the one who is always doing the inviting or hosting. The sad fact is that many people today do not know how or when to reciprocate, etc. I don't think they mean anything about it, they are just clueless.

Anyway, good luck.

[nancy thereader]

Does your local library have a book club ? You might be able to meet people there .

[Toni.n.miss]

I just read your post. Have you ever started that web site?
I'm in kind of the same boat here. I'm a 46 year old woman and moved from Texas to Long Beach leaving my friends and family behind. Now I just have my sig. other. Don't get me wrong. He's awesome and I love him dearly.
It's just that I really miss that female side of friends.
Had a hard day the other day, left home and went for a drive. While driving it really hit me that I can't call any of my girlfriends to join me for a drink and a shoulder to lean on. (I also provide a shoulder when needed)
I've tried some of the suggestions on here, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Not concerned about the "approachability" quota as I am very friendly and always smile and say hi to others.
Same problems with work. I work for a very small company staffed by men.
Why is is so hard to meet women anymore? For friendship.
So... started that web page yet?