Having a hard time meeting new people... (Raleigh, Wilmington: chapel, home)

[Lindengirl]

My husband and I moved to Wilmington from NJ at the beginning of this year (so it hasn't been that long). We moved here when my husband landed a new job and so he has been working since we got here. Obviously, he has a lot more interactions with people through his job and has made some friends.

I, however, work from home and am starting to feel very lonely. I grew up in NJ and have a ton of friends and a large family which I left behind. I'm in my mid 20's and just don't know how to go about meeting new people. I will be going to grad school in September in Chapel Hill, but until then, how do I meet new people? I know this might seem like a silly question with an obvious answer, but I don't know where else to turn. Any suggestions?

I should also mention that my husband does not drink or like going out to bars, so I feel a little silly just going out by myself---we go out to dinner and things like that, but there's nothing like having a girlfriend to meet for lunch, a drink or some retail therapy!

[mariegirl]

MySpace - I've met a ton of friends. Even met some people I ran in the same circles with but had never met. You can find some folks in the same area with the same interests. And I go to Wrightsville Beach throughout the summer - you can always join me for a drink!

[cynwldkat]

Lindengirl,
I hear you!! I have not yet even moved and I'm having that concern. I am a very outgoing person. I enjoy people and meet them easily...as a rule. Trouble is, where do you even go to get the chance of meeting new people? I'm not a bar hopping person, will be working from home online and hopefully living in or around a small town. SMALL. I am married. I have not been much of a church goer but I am Christian. Meeting anyone on MySpace worries me because of the bad rap I've heard. Yes, I to am very concerned about having any kind of social life once we get moved. Guess, like you, I will wait to see if anyone has suggestions!!

[mariegirl]

I'm an adult student and have found other students attending my school on MySpace. Not scary people - they're my classmates! I've also found other people in the area that have similar fundamental interests (particularly morals) and there are lots of book clubs, intellectual clubs, church clubs, school clubs.

[Lindengirl]

I don't find myspace scary--I just have never had to put much effort into meeting new people because I grew up in and lived in the same city from age 5 to age 25. I also worked in NYC and there is definitely not a shortage of people there to meet and I'm pretty outgoing. I guess it just always happened naturally for me.

The people I am friends with on myspace are either already my friends (people I know personally) or if I don't know them, they are just "myspace friends"; in other words, I never asked them to meet or hang out. I don't think it's weird or anything, but I think that others might think I'm the weird one by just emailing them and saying that I want to hang out with them. But, I am gonna try it b/c I figure I have nothing to lose right?

cynwldkat, I wish you the best with your move!

[cynwldkat]

Sounds good!! My daughter goes on MySpace lots and really enjoys it. Who knows.....But I do like to hear that there are so many interesting clubs. I am seriously considering getting back into going to church once again as I feel safe getting to know people there. Thanks again for this information.

[citydweller]

Of course it's not fail safe (is anything?) but hopefully church will be a place to meet good people.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Check out Meetup.com - that is a great way to meet other couples in your area and in your age range with similar interest. My wife and I have found it a great way to meet new people in Raleigh! It is a great resource and you meet people in a group environment so it is a safe way to meet new friends! Good Luck!

[hapaleeretired]

The Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce has quarterly "Newcomer" meetings. This is a good opportunity for local business people to introduce themselves. It also serves as a good place to meet other new residents.
Get in touch with the Chamber when you move in and tell them you want to be notified of the next meeting.
Oh, you will be invited to churches. Trust me on this.

[Pixie Dust]

Originally Posted by hapaleeretired

The Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce has quarterly "Newcomer" meetings. This is a good opportunity for local business people to introduce themselves. It also serves as a good place to meet other new residents.
Get in touch with the Chamber when you move in and tell them you want to be notified of the next meeting.
Oh, you will be invited to churches. Trust me on this.

Hey hapalee, its me, curiosity is killing the cat. Whats your response when invited to the different churches?? And how is the response??? This is making me shrek just thinking about it. Im worried about the cold shoulder treatment.