Advice on Finding Friends From the Wisdom Circle AARP The Magazine
Advice on Finding Friends From the Wisdom Circle - AARP The Magazine Friends
Response #1
I've started taking for adults 50-plus who want to learn for fun (without exams or homework). I've found people who have similar interests, and now I go to lunch weekly with my new friends. Try asking about classes like these at a college near you.
I have the same problem. I found that my old friends and I have nothing in common anymore. So I started joining groups that reflect interests of mine — like photography, genealogy, and my heritage — and learning more about these topics. I also volunteer. Nothing makes you feel better than helping someone. Response #3
As a guy, I meet lots of people — especially women, woo-hoo! — while walking my dog. Folks are more apt to strike up a conversation if my dog is with me. Don't have a dog? Go for a walk anyway and say hi to people. Another option is to join a volunteer organization that supports your local police department. You attend training classes before you can become part of your local citizens' police force. (Note: As a volunteer, you only observe and report; you are not allowed to confront offenders.) Try contacting your local police department to see what programs are available. I did — and wound up making friends with several other volunteers.
I love these ideas. They all sound like things I would enjoy doing, and they may be good ways to find friends. I'll check out the possibility of attending classes and will also contact my local police department. (I've always been interested in law and order. I enjoy jury duty — what can I say?) And I've kept walking our dog as usual; he's a Chihuahua who thinks he's a Great Dane. People are talking to me — but from a distance. — Adapted by Karen Westerberg Reyes
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Where Can I Find New Friends
A woman takes stock of her life and longs to connect with others
Dear Wisdom Circle, I'm facing a — I'm turning 60 — so I've reviewed my life to see what's missing. I've decided it's a : someone I can be frank with and who will be frank with me, someone I can accept with no reservations and vice versa. As much as I love my husband, he just can't substitute for a gal pal — a bosom buddy. I've had only three or four in my lifetime and would like to have another. But it seems as if everyone is younger than I am and interested in topics that don't interest me. Any suggestions on how I can make new friends? — Lonely LadyThe Circle Says
Response #1
I've started taking for adults 50-plus who want to learn for fun (without exams or homework). I've found people who have similar interests, and now I go to lunch weekly with my new friends. Try asking about classes like these at a college near you.
Words From the Wise
Taking a class is one way to meet friends who share your interests. In our online community, you can ask for — or give — advice on topics such as love, friendship, grief, parenting, or grandparenting. Your contribution could be featured in an upcoming issue of AARP The Magazine! Response #2I have the same problem. I found that my old friends and I have nothing in common anymore. So I started joining groups that reflect interests of mine — like photography, genealogy, and my heritage — and learning more about these topics. I also volunteer. Nothing makes you feel better than helping someone. Response #3
As a guy, I meet lots of people — especially women, woo-hoo! — while walking my dog. Folks are more apt to strike up a conversation if my dog is with me. Don't have a dog? Go for a walk anyway and say hi to people. Another option is to join a volunteer organization that supports your local police department. You attend training classes before you can become part of your local citizens' police force. (Note: As a volunteer, you only observe and report; you are not allowed to confront offenders.) Try contacting your local police department to see what programs are available. I did — and wound up making friends with several other volunteers.
br The Resolution
I love these ideas. They all sound like things I would enjoy doing, and they may be good ways to find friends. I'll check out the possibility of attending classes and will also contact my local police department. (I've always been interested in law and order. I enjoy jury duty — what can I say?) And I've kept walking our dog as usual; he's a Chihuahua who thinks he's a Great Dane. People are talking to me — but from a distance. — Adapted by Karen Westerberg Reyes
Related
Words from the Wise
AARP's online community is a kind of "wisdom circle" that draws on the shared experiences of AARP members. This column is adapted from an online discussion.
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures