Let me set the stage: Newly single dad of a young kid. After COVID-19 I haven’t done much outside of my home and taking care of my kid. I work full time-remote, and between the kiddo and leaving room for a hobby or taking care of the house, it seems like the only other thing I have time for is sleep.
The thing I know is that this is likely an issue with my anxiety and anxious attachment. The conclusion we’ve arrived at in therapy is that I gotta meet people. I apparently forgot, or don’t know how to do that. Where to meet people. It’s not a big city, but 200k-300k people in the county.
Maybe I’m looking for something of a strategy more than anything.
edit: thank you guys, I really appreciate it!
Volunteering is always good. Meals on Wheels. Habitat for Humanity. See if the local library system has organized public events. Same for parks. You could take a continuing education class, too. Cooking, art, personal finance.
I think this is the best advice. These kinds of social gatherings take the pressure off socializing, you’re there because of something else and socializing is a side-effect. That feels nice for all parties. Choose something that is close to a honby or interest of tours, that way you’ll be more likely to meet likeminded people. Good luck OP and remember, you’ve got years to do this, you dont build up a social life in one or two weeks.
Edited to add sports, they’re great in melting the ice. Board game nights if that’s your cup of tea. Fantasy sports leagues
So much this. You can make a new friend at any age or stage in life. My grandparents are in their 90s and they made friends with a couple who just moved into their village only a few weeks ago and now they’re going to the local cinema together once a week followed by an early dinner!
(Language) courses are also great for this. If you make friends, that’s a bonus. Whatever happens you’ll have learnt a skill.