Friends - or lack of.

Maybe Gransnet could get behind it, and roll it out nationwide.

Sounds like a great idea. Maybe it will expand. Would be so good for everyone.

Partly I think it is getting older, but also when you retire or reduce hours a big gap is exposed. Colleagues can take the place of friends, think of how much time is spent in full-time employment. Real friends are hard to come by. My mother's neighbour never invited her to her club, or in for a cup of tea. She joined Derby and Joan, but never got a welcome, strikes me this is nothing new. So if you do belong to a group, perhaps it is worthwhile looking out for new people and making an extra effort?

I used to love going out with friends and socialising as families but since my divorce (years ago) it seems like a few people have "dropped" me?. I have had a relationship since and made friends through him too, but when that ended I never heard from any of them again. Fair enough. I won't deny that it's harder to make friends in older age but the ones you keep become extra special.

I would suggest joining the NWR - a great place to make real friends. I will find a link and come back.

National Women's Register NWR here

Over the last 3 years, 2 of my good friends have moved over 100 miles away. One to Cambridge and my really good friend to near Stamford. I just really miss them so much, especially my friend in Stamford.

We keep in touch with phone calls and WhatsApp, but it isn't the same, just miss our regular meet ups for coffee and lunch. I am going to stay with her in October for a few days!

It does seem harder to make new friends once retired, and when joining groups, there always seems to be cliques that you need to break into.

I have my partner and family, so I count myself lucky in that respect.