Missing friends, feeling lonely

Ziggy You say you’re not religious and I appreciate many ways of meeting new people are church based. I’m not sure whether you’re living north or south in Ireland but there are active Humanist Groups in many regions, who I’m sure would make you welcome.

In fact the Humanist Convention 2022 was held in Belfast for the first time. I’ve just attended this year’s Convention in Cardiff with 500 others. Some well informed and interesting speakers from many disciplines. We are a growing group.

You could join a friendship group, there are a few online, people in those groups are actually looking for friends where as people at work or at classes may already have their established friends or routines with no room for anymore friends.

When I moved to where I am now the neighbours were very friendly and one in particular seemed to want more of a friendship but I dont have time to commit to anyone else so although friendly kept my distance.

Cossy, thank you for replying, much appreciated, as I said I've been in same village 9 years (more than a few months lol). As you say the Irish are friendly, both my husbands were/are Irish but I find in this part people smile, have the "craic" but don't want to take it any further. I've joined groups, got chatting to ladies my age but as soon as I've invited them for coffee they are in a rush to get away.
There are lots of church activities on "both sides of the community " but I'm not religious and maybe that's part of the problem

Look out for things like a knit and natter group. I joined one and was made very welcome.

zakouma66

No , its not just you. Its very hard to break through and find friends. I go to classes and people nod and smile and pass the time of day. Nobody wants to engage other than that and it becomes embarassing asking.

I do think this phenomena of isolation and lonliness is everywhere and amongst all ages.

I think it just takes time, a good few months, to get to the point where one feels ready to both ask others to a coffe and to accept an invite. Just hang in in there and keep smiling

No , its not just you. Its very hard to break through and find friends. I go to classes and people nod and smile and pass the time of day. Nobody wants to engage other than that and it becomes embarassing asking.

I do think this phenomena of isolation and lonliness is everywhere and amongst all ages.

Ireland!

I’d look to see what community groups are nearby and join up, look to see if there are any “neighbourhood” websites such as “next door”.

Churches?? Local community choirs? Voluntary work? All are ways of meeting people.

Are you in Southern Ureland or Northern Ireland?

I worked for an Irish Company many years ago and visited Dublin several times, my husband is Irish and I’ve been to Belfast too, I’ve always found the Irish very very friendly 😊

It happens in some parts of Ireland. As you said, the community in which you now live is very different. You’re lucky that people are pleasant, in some parts they are not pleasant to an English person.