[Oldgraymare]

Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as a sort of low stress way of meeting new people as a single adult.

I've had social anxiety much of my life. It was quite severe as a child and in my teens so I never really got the typical socialization most kids/teens get. I learned to avoid social situations due to wanting to avoid anxiety so became isolated. I certainly had a couple of close friends which is lovely of course but still limiting in terms of social options.

Now I am a single 32 year old and find myself at a loss as to how to meet new people. Adults in my age bracket, including friends I've had since childhood, have their children, significant others, family and friend circle already established and aren't really on the look out to expand that circle so much, certainly not in the way I am.

I did join a choir a few years ago and it was simply...okay. I attended the social and fundraising events they held, attended every practice and performance, went on their yearly retreat my first year (which I wasn't super keen on but gave it a shot), even hung out with one of my fellow choir goers a few times outside of all of that. However it all kind of just fizzled out and I have had no further invites in a while and eventually I stopped suggesting days and times to get together with a few people that kept saying we should "totally hang out some time".

I've attended a meetup before for a television series I was into but honestly it wasn't really my thing and it wasn't terribly welcoming either.

At this point I'm kind of at a loss and wonder if anyone has any effective suggestions. I will say I'm not really keen on dating apps or the like just for safety reasons. But otherwise any thoughts or ideas are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[Rose76]

I would say to pursue other meet-ups. Also, try volunteering.

[Wild Coyote]

Each meetup group is different. you might find a group very welcoming?

Volunteering is another great way to meet people. It may depend upon what you choose to volunteer for? Many towns/cities hold public events where they rely upon volunteers for the event. The local United Way also usually has a list of specific volunteering opportunities.
If you choose a volunteering opportunity within a field which interests you, you may find friends with similar interests.

I don't know how you feel about churches/spiritual groups? Many of them, especially the larger ones, hold all kinds of events. Many also have special group activities geared toward single people, as well.

Maybe join other social groups of interest, ie: a camera club, a walking/hiking group, an exercising group, an IT group, a skiing club, etc., etc.

Just a few ideas.


WC

[teacat]

I've had to ask this myself, too. I'm almost 30 and finding that options like work, volunteering, etc, aren't cutting it. My coworkers are often very busy, etc. And wouldn't you know it, I volunteered to do something I genuinely care about (maintaining public gardens) -- I work alone!

Looking back, most of my friendships have had an emotional foundation of sorts. We were high schoolers who were breaking the family rules with religion or relationships or we were looking for other outcasts. I think making friends as an adult is probably easier over classes and support groups, which are my next step.