Thanks I appreciate your sharing your own experience.

Is it okay to ask what sort of groups you joined (if that is not too personal a question?)

I talked it over with my husband and he said it was a good idea but may be embarrassing if I bumped into someone I already knew. I hadn't really thought of that but I suppose it might be!

He says to try it and if I don't like it then not to go back - it sounds simple enough but at the moment I am feeling anxious so it isn't quite so simple.

I worry too that I will be ignored/no one will click with me.