I've gone to quite a few meetup groups, enjoyed them, and met some nice people. The thing I like about meetup is pretty much everyone who goes to the events is trying to meet new people so people are pretty open. I also like events where there's an activity as the focus as it gives you a natural topic of conversation.
I think it's great that you are thinking about taking this step.
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"I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn.
"If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba
