Has anyone made friends outside........

[chloe40]

of the Forum since their loss and was it easy or difficult?

Chloe

[jaykay777]

I haven't made any new friends since my husband died toward the end of 2014. live in an independent living facility and don't drive anymore, so I have no opportunity to meet new people unless they move here. One of my two closest friends died at the end of last year. I still find myself mentally composing emails to send her before I recall that she is gone. A few new female residents recently moved into the independent living facility where I live. One of them seemed like someone I would like to know better. However, one day she did something that repelled me. She saw a little live frog on the dining room floor and, looking gleeful and proud, stamped it to death with her shoe. Many of the residents were horrified, especially the kitchen employee who had to clean up the results. I remain close friends with Martha, a woman I knew when I lived here for a year in 2010 before leaving to get married. However, she is losing her memory, so it is difficult to reminisce with her about our times together. I often tell her stories about the times we did things together. I don't belong to a house of worship. If I did, I would probably meet new friends there.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to jaykay777]

I do think it gets harder the older we become too jaykay777 and as you say the opportunities don't often crop up. You are fortunate to still have a friend from long ago even though she may not remember everything you shared before but you can at least still talk about those times, you never know, it may trigger a recall of memory for her.

Chloe

I agree that was despicable behaviour.

[jaykay777 in reply to chloe40]

That was comforting to hear, Chloe. I do have one close friend left from childhood. We communicate by email and phone. She and my friend who died were at odds with each other. They both enjoyed giving advice where none was wanted.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to jaykay777]

That made me smile jaykay777 I happen to know just such a person

Chloe

[Hidden]

Hello Chloe,

I have found it incredibly difficult to make new friends.

I have tried walking groups, bingo (no new friends yet but I did win £80 the other week!) social meet-ups. I gave up in the end because despite what I tried nothing was happening and my health was suffering from all the activity!! I decided to concentrate on my dear little dog and forget this quest to find new friends.

But hope is on the horizon following my first WI meeting last week. Another member asked me about walking our dogs together and has also invited me to a local weekly sketch group. Looks promising.......

I will have to wait and see - watch this space. It just goes to show that when you stop searching things really do happen.

Lottie

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Oh Hidden

You do so make me laugh!

Well you sound as though you've tried most things and now you've decided not to try making friends, it seems it is happening, without all that effort. Hope your joint dog walking works out well.

Chloe x

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

Thank you Chloe, it made me laugh while typing my reply.

I will let you know how things go. I am thankful that I have the confidence to try new things. I have even been to a pub for a meal and a pint with Izzie at lunchtime as a special treat. Btw it is great to be back!

Lottie xx

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Love it! and great to have you back.

Chloe x