Question for you all

[deathpixie]

So, this is a situation that I've been pondering on for a while. I've talked to a few people about it, and I have some rough plans for the new year (since there's way too much going on atm for me to even think about it!), but I'd like to see what you guys on LJ think. So, here's the question:

How do you meet new people socially?

A little bit of background - I moved to Canada four years ago. I've realised recently that my social network is very small and entirely based on my roommate, due to me not doing anything about it, and now I'm getting my mojo back, I'd like to change that. So, O wise and knowledgeable people of the Internet, what suggestions do you have for me? In terms of "getting out there and meeting people", where do I go?

Comments

[maureenans.livejournal.com]

damn good question - let me know when you figure it out. I can tell you what I have tried (to little success).

1). meetup.com - I signed up for groups based on interest, showed up at the appointed place and time...and never saw anyone else. After 3 of these, I quit going.

2). joined a synagogue - I know you're not Jewish, but I got involved in our Temple Young Marrieds/Young Professionals program. I was the youngest by 10ish years and the only one not married. After a year as a member, I joined the planning committee, then gave up on it too.

3). through other friends like Avital - when I'm with her friends, things are great and everyone says "yeah, we should hang out more!" then no one calls me or is super busy when I call them.

4). coworkers - just....no. went to the bar with them like twice. Never again.

5). school - sort of works. sorta. it's still ongoing and I know you're not in school

it seems to me that everyone I meet has their established group of friends and aren't interested in making new ones.

[deathpixie]

*nods* Scrabble wound up a bit like that for me - everyone had their established friends and I got tired of feeling like the New Girl, even after six months of playing.

[maureenans.livejournal.com]

when I was in Az I joined THEM - which is the ASU scifi/fantasy/geeky what have you social club and was instantly accepted and loved it. There's been talk about expansion outside of ASU.

I also began showing up to the Monday night coffee shop Deaf group - just a group of people who would show up to this one coffee shop every Monday to hang out. Most people were deaf, but some were ASL students. I walked in with my boyfriend at the time (who was deaf) and knowing the ASL alphabet and ended up taking 2 years worth of ASL in 1 year, involved in the deaf community in Phoenix, etc etc.

Here there are deaf groups, but nothing within a 30 minute drive of me and almost all of them are GLBQT related, which...I am not. So I've never tried them out.

I think it is something about Atlanta honestly. Phoenix, I never had any issues meeting people, I showed up alone at clubs and never felt alone or like the new girl for more than a few minutes. Here....it's New Girl Syndrome Forever.

EDIT: also tried fencing, but that ended spectacularly. never date your coach.