Where do you start?

[divegirl]

I've read a couple of posts on here lately that wonder how on earth one can bare their soul in such a public way...

Well ignoring that, I would like to ask if you could or indeed needed to, start your life again where would you begin?

Let me explain. I have come to the realisation that I am surplus to my children's needs...lets face it they are 20 and 15 [and I am 43] and I am a inconvenience! I have been a single parent for 12 years, I have so to speak, given my all but am no longer required!
College? A man? I don't have many mates...and even less friends... So, what would you do?

Lisa x

[Psybbo]

But, hey, it just shows you have done a great job xx

[mccfluff]

making new friends is daunting but if you don;t make the effort you won't change the situation you are in. Ummm's idea is a good one, a short course at a college might help.

you could come to the xmas market with us lot (if you're insane)

[erin-x]

What about doing some volunteer work at your local animal shelter? You'd be doing something you really care about then x

[boxtops]

My friend's daughter is 15, my friend says it's like living with an alien

[divegirl]

Bednobs, I would love to foster, but unless one of these reprobates moves out then no I don't have the room, that said I understand the courses can be long and drawn out....so maybe something to look into now.

Nom...I'm just not used to looking after number one...that needs to change!

This whole feeling of disillusionment came from a row with my daughter... I need to take control back of MY life! I know that now.

[Psybbo]

Agreed boxtops, mine was and now at 30 she is the most caring lovely daughter imaginable took a while though

[LazyGun]

What do you like doing? Find yourself a group that also enjoys such things.

Go join an amateur dramatics group, join a choir, take dancing lessons, learn to horse ride or learn first aid, or take up diving again.

Join a book club, a local charity, a local political group and make friends and acquaintances.

Join a dining club, a singles group, a walking / biking group.

Volunteer at a local charity shop, or hospice, or hospital.

Loads of things to do that involve meeting and mingling. People very definitely need the random brownian motion of interacting with others :)

[divegirl]

Boxy got the best answer ...but you all deserve it lol

Bednobs... I'm going to take your advice as yes, Sibton, I have done a pretty good job [I think] ....and everything else that has been suggested costs money that I don't have!!!! lol

[divegirl]

Just to clarify... I'm okay, this just one of those awful moments of self realisation that leave ya on ya butt!!!!

[boxtops]

Thanks lisa :-)

I'd vote for going along to a local drama group - I did that - even you're not bold enough to tread the boards there are always a hundred and one jobs which need doing backstage, or front of house.

[Georgiesmum]

Start a dinner club. Ask people in your area if they would be interested in meeting up regularly as a group to go out to dinner together. There are a lot of similar people who would jump at the chance and it would give you a chance to make a lot of new friends.

[Jules001]

Lisa, I am feeling exactly like this at the moment too, realised that I am a bit of a Billy, I have lots of acquaintances, but not people I socialise with or would call good friends. My kids are grown up 20 and 24 and although youngest is great, talks more to me than my OH, it is dawning on me that she won't be living with us forever, so need to start branching out and making some new friends. Sorry other than showing there are other people out here that feel the same, I haven't been much help - I hope you get some ideas that are do-able for you.

Julie