Share a cuppa?

Hello @Former-Member 😀👋❤

What coffee or tea do you like

Such a valid question @Former-Member, it can be hard to make new friends in adulthood. To answer your question, they do exist because we're all sitting here now with a shared connection and genuine desire to see the best for each other. So that suggests to me that whilst we aren't connecting in person per say, the want for friendship is there.

So! Where can we find real life friends, is that the question you'd like to ask @Former-Member?

What do you think @Shaz51 @Oaktree @RedHorse?

For me it all comes down to your interests – so if you are religious then you could join a church or bible group. If you're into gardening then you could join your local bush regeneration group. If you care about your local area you could join a council group, same goes for joining a political party if you're into politics. If you're into knitting or crafting there are a bunch of groups you can join for that too. If you would love to learn a new language...you get the drill 😊 Groups are where it's at.

I once joined a group for people living with anxiety, I can't say that I made lifelong friendships out of it, but it gave me a place to be one night a week where I wasn't judged and helped me build my confidence in meeting new people (such a big task when you live with anxiety!). I also learned along the way not to expect too much, that one person or group doesn't need to fill a void, rather that having a few different interests means I can meet different kinds of people and ward off the isolation. I love that I'm friends with my retired neighbour, my work colleagues, my friend from 20 years ago and an ex that is a glutton for punishment (😉). Friendships come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

I’m ok @Former-Member just finishing my book.

@Former-Member , what hobbies do you like maybe there a groups around you can you can go to

I have no friends , not sure if it is because of Mr shaz MI

I can say hello to my friends thT I used to have @Former-Member , @Former-Member but that is it , no cuppa , no visiting

@Bow , @Oaktree , @RedHorse , @Dimity , @StuF , @Appleblossom , @Emelia8

Hey @Shaz51 and everyone!

A coffee with a little bit of chocolate would be PERFECT for me thanks Shaz51. I'll bring along some biscuits

And @Former-Member, I've had some similar experiences to you and didn't know how to make new friends as an adult. It can feel lonely and I just want to acknowledge that ❤️

I love the suggestions @Former-Member made. I know for me, I think about the interests I have and look for events on facebook for them. And community houses can often be great too for interest-based events and community lunches. I felt super nervous before going to things like that, but it was a great starting point for me.

What do you think about these and @Former-Members ideas?

❤️ TuxedoCat

I’ve joined a local friendship group @Former-Member

And met up with some of them. But lately I’m really reluctant to.
What book are you reading @Eve7

Thanks for understanding @Former-Member I have lived in the same area for many years. So everywhere I go there are triggers. I am learning to try and not let them take over my life. Bit tricky at times though.

 For you @Former-Member Because you are an amazing person. 🤗

I joined a friendship group @Shaz51 Did meet up a few times. It’s difficult to make genuine friends in real life. I do have some, but they live interstate. So I don’t really have any contact with them.

@Meggy thank u for the invitation 😁 it was very comforting to be in the tea party last night while reading and sipping.

@Bow @Former-Member @Oaktree @Former-Member @Shaz51 @tyme @Eve7 @Thekindone @PocketRocket88

Good evening and bless you ☕ 💕

@Former-Member it's beautiful, and even with a marshmallow! Lucky me! You're so kind ❤️

And @Former-Member, so proud that you're learning to navigate those triggers. It's a learning process and will take time. Be gentle on yourself and take the time you need.

Are there specific things you do when you're feeling triggered to help calm yourself?