YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you do it?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you do it? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:40:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php MsMary on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1488775 Fri, 08 May 2015 03:44:02 +0000 MsMary 1488775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm late to this thread, but I feel your pain, Ledonna! I was in your shoes a couple of years ago. I left my husband and found myself in desperate need of some friends with whom to hang out. It took a long time and a lot of trial and error! I joined a church and it was a horrible failure -- I swear, I couldn't get arrested at that joint even though I volunteered and attended services regularly and tried to be friendly to everyone. I struck up an acquaintance with a neighbor at my apartment building but she and I didn't really have anything in common beyond being recently separated. Finally I joined my local Rotary Club and that has been my salvation. They are really "my people" and I have made good friends and even met a nice man with whom I've been keeping company. Meanwhile, the neighbor I mentioned has had great luck meeting people via Meetup groups. It really is just a matter of trial and error and putting yourself out there. Rotary has been great because there are service projects and you can get to know people while doing the projects. But anything that has to do with something that interests you will work -- for example, my gentleman friend has made a ton of friends via his interest in bike riding. YLF is a great example of that and I count many YLFers among my "real" friends at this point! Hang in there and don't give up! Ledonna N. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1488132 Thu, 07 May 2015 11:36:07 +0000 Ledonna N. 1488132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for chiming in. Such diverse answers and feelings. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1486535 Mon, 04 May 2015 19:26:25 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1486535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everyone's said it already, but I agree that it is incredibly difficult to make new friends as an adult*. People are busy with work and/or kids and/or partner and the only new people you meet are at work. The only real new friends I've made in the last 15 years since I've been out of college are two women I originally met in a local writers' group. All of us freelance from home so we were all looking for 'colleagues', if you will, and happened to hit it off personally as well. I'm friendly with other women that I know from sewing groups, exercise class, etc., but none of them are people I'd call if I needed help with something. *pre-retirement age, I should say - my parents seem to make new friends all over the place these days. It's like everyone shifts back out of working/raising kids mode around 60-70 and acts like college students again, taking fun classes and traveling and meeting new people. Aziraphale on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1486479 Mon, 04 May 2015 17:39:11 +0000 Aziraphale 1486479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hehehe ladywone, you're so cute: in reality it would be ComiCon, LOTR and the Walking Dead, but there would be mimosas. I hear you. :-) I'm reading this thread with interest. I don't have many good suggestions. I don't make women friends easily, although over the years I've found it's because of me, not because of the other women. I just can't make myself interested in the kinds of things the majority of women seem to want to talk about. Honestly, I've tried hanging out with the soccer moms -- I've been on many "girls' night out" type things -- and I don't really fit. Think about it: would you really be happy sitting around sipping wine and talking shopping, children, Costco, and men? Because that's usually what it is. I do make a good female friend occasionally, though, and I'm very loyal when I do. For me, good friends are hard to find. I can see why it's hard for you. You're interested in more traditionally male things. Having moved about a lot as a kid and working in a male-dominated field doesn't help, either.  How about joining a book club? Or, if it's more up your alley, finding a group of people to play Dungeons and Dragons with. If you're into ComiCon, you might be into that. :-) texstyle on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1486439 Mon, 04 May 2015 16:30:50 +0000 texstyle 1486439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm late to it, but what a great thread - loved reading about everyone's experiences making, keeping or finding new friends. When we moved out to the rural area here full time it seemed like it might be impossible to make friends. I really had to change my expectations of what friends would be I think.  Back in Austin it was work type friends with shared interests and ages, though most were raising kids and we were drifting away due to their need to focus on their new families. And truthfully none of them were those "true" friends you'd count on in times of need. Some of my friends now are considerably older. But I have always had older friends - even as a kid. Most of the younger (mid life age) people out here are weekenders coming with their family (kids or grandkids) and spending their time boating on the lake, watching sports games, hunting, cooking out, or sometimes drinking too much. We haven't really clicked with many of them as far as shared interests. It's funny because when we do try to spend time with people with very different interests, sometimes I feel like they are oblivious to it and it's just us who are not enjoying ourselves. DH and I have slowly found some friendships in other business owners in the area, as well as some retired business people and such.  We both feel the need to have at least some business minded people as friends since it's such a big part of who we are. The chamber out here is kind of a joke however so that's not a great option. We tend to do most of our activity in the daylight hours as driving at night with all the deer on the roads and the curvy, hilly terrain, can be daunting.  I do enjoy spending time alone so I don't crave a huge amount of social interaction, but it's nice to have a few people you can count on for friendly conversation and laughs. Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1485876 Sun, 03 May 2015 13:20:21 +0000 Anonymous 1485876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I consider myself an introvert, prefering to spend time alone working on my hobbies, but I socialize easily and can speak to anyone and everyone. I will often chat with the people in line at check out, salespeople, etc. i have one friend who knows me pretty well since we had been friends for 45 years, but she lives 3-1/2 hrs away. So we text and talk almost everyday. What is interesting is that my parents and in-laws had a wide circle of friends who would get together weekly if not more often and were constantly on the phone with each other. But my parents and in-laws and their friends all lived in the same areas/neighborhoods, belonged to the same churches and organizations, and quite frankly, were not all that involved in their children's lives as parents are today. Their children went to the same schools, families vacationed together, attended each other big events as families with no excuses of a sports game, recital, etc. Not so nowadays. Families today rarely live in the same state, city, neighborhood for 50 to 60 years. Many women with kids work full time, rarely having anytime for anyone but family and kids activities. Everyone is in a rush and can't slow down to make any meaningful friendships. Since I was a SAHM with my DD lots of moms became my friends since I was the flexible one who could watch their kids on a moments notice, but they did not want anything else from the friendship. When I went back to work part time none of these friends were willing to help out when I needed help. They were more interested in their own agenda. My DH used to travel all over the world when we first married, so socializing with other couples really did not work for us. When we lived in another state 20 years ago we had a circle of friends (couples) that we socialized with, but since moving to our present location we have not been so lucky and we are ok with that. We have neighbors who have lived here for 50+ years and have the same social life my parents did. Then there are the younger ones who are all wrapped up in their jobs and families. Oh and yes, I have a dog and while it helps with the socialization of both you and pet ( it can also invite some creeps which I avidly avoid), but I cannot find anything in common other than the dog which would make me forge any new friendships. I am happy with the way things are right now. Gail on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1485867 Sun, 03 May 2015 13:05:54 +0000 Gail 1485867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I moved a ton whilst growing up and once married moved 4 times in four years and two of those moves were overseas Tokyo and London. When I moved to my current neighborhood 11 years ago my SIL lived up the street. She took me to the neighborhood Bunco group' although the game of Bunco is simply rolling a dice and at the end of each round some people stay at the table ( depending who wins) and some move to another table. So throughout the course of the evening you get to meet and talk to everyone. It was a great way of meeting new people and making some new friends. Whilst I only became close to one person in the group I know that it helped me as I was invited to other social events. We don't play as regularly as we once did but now tend to walk to a local restaurant or just meet up for drinks. there is a variation of ages in the group but we all get along pretty well. I used to be pretty good at making friends but I think having small children was a huge help:) Have you tried looking for groups held at your local library ? Ours has quite a few, photography, knitting club, political club. reading club and some others. They also have trips to local places of interest. Another place to meet people is at our local Habitat for Humanity organization.  We have had a beach house for the past 3 years and I have found that I do not have friends to socialize with when I am there ( my children don't come much they are older now) and quite frankly its a little boring when I go. I don't get down there often enough  for me to try and get something going :)  Astrid on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1485854 Sun, 03 May 2015 12:01:24 +0000 Astrid 1485854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shy introvert here. For me it's always been difficult to develop true friendships, because most people won't take the time I'd need to open up to them. I'm no social butterfly. I moved three times between ages of six and nineteen, each time knowing absolutely no one in the new place. Luckily I did manage to find a few friends each time and I managed to keep contact with some of them. But it always took some time. I'm also still close to my family, having no family or relationship of my own. (My two brothers and sister are still living at home.) I know it's difficult, but just go out and do something. Doesn't matter what, anything you enjoy. And sooner or later you'll meet like minded people you would like to hang out with more. Ledonna N. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1485845 Sun, 03 May 2015 11:33:35 +0000 Ledonna N. 1485845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you the suggestions sound great the photography sound ver appealing. It is beyond time for me to step outside of my comfort zone. I am glad you found friends. Irene on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1485838 Sun, 03 May 2015 10:48:07 +0000 Irene 1485838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a Spanish woman in her late twenties (ouch) who moved to London, UK about a year ago. Knowing no one, except for a girl I met during an internship in Barcelona -I'm not sure I had ever met her in a non-professional environment before I arrived in London. She also had the whole pack: job, boyfriend, close friends. So, yeah, she's great but didn't offer much company. One of my best moves here? Joining a writing Meetup. Like-minded individuals writing for two hours in a coffee-shop and socialising afterwards with a drink in their hands. Some of them would stay in the pub for 30-60 minutes, but then some of us would stay for hours, just chatting and making connections. I have actually made one good friend with whom I've gone on photography trips! If you want to get to know new people, just go and do it. It's daunting, I know, but totally worth it. Ledonna N. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485715 Sun, 03 May 2015 01:09:16 +0000 Ledonna N. 1485715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisap -your story is my story but I'm getting better or more comfortable with myself in social situations. I used to sit in the car and do a pep talk to encourage myself to even go in. Annabelle - my hairdresser is a barber and I don't want to go where he goes lol, I'm laughing because he is all MALE. annabelle on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485692 Sat, 02 May 2015 23:44:47 +0000 annabelle 1485692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, all -  this mostly will be a retread on other comments, but as a fellow introvert, I get exhausted after an hour of a social gathering of more than six people. (also a fellow geek)  I really favor the book club, or the BlackGirlNerds, because I think those groups will be smaller than a YLF meetup will be. Some of my friends are in a wine club, now that sounds fun! This is a wild idea, but can you ask your hairdresser what she knows about hangouts and groups? Okay, that sounded random, but my hairdresser - 20 years younger than I - knows everything about all her clients. I am sure she would have ideas for everyone, even me. (If you want her name, PM me, haha) Good luck and maybe if we both do a YLF meetup, we can introvert together. Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485648 Sat, 02 May 2015 22:03:31 +0000 Anonymous 1485648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This really is a good thread, isn't it?  And I love rachy's comment about making room for others, literally and figuratively.  That's important to remember for those of us less inclined to be open. I'm ok in most situations,but can shut right off and have to leave a party or gathering at a moment's notice.  I fear that  unless people know me quite well that I can come across as standoffish and disinterested (which isn't entirely wrong - haha) and I have to force myself to go out when invited in order to keep the friends I do have. I totally prefer a one-on-one to a group - I am completely useless in a group of women at dinner or drinks and would really like to figure out how to handle those situations better.  I've quite enjoyed reading all of these comments! Ledonna N. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485616 Sat, 02 May 2015 20:41:52 +0000 Ledonna N. 1485616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am so so glad tat I put this thread out in the YLF universe. I am reading everything forgive me if I don't respond to everyone. I had an 7hr church workshop/class/praise and worshiping event. And I realized I am a one on one type of person. Small group interpersonal skills are developing my batteries are recharged. I was even nominated for and was elected go a church and Ministry board. Doors are opening. Rachylou I'm gonna shake that tree and see if any nuts fall out. Thank you all I'm just loving this again. Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485611 Sat, 02 May 2015 20:09:14 +0000 Anonymous 1485611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My youngest DD is an introvert. She's getting a little better, but she's very quiet and timid around people she doesn't know. I try to help her, but at the same time I tell her it's okay to be quiet--just not withdrawn. My DH & I have made several moves during our 27-year marriage, so I've learned to be more social. I like making small talk with people, but I'm not a social butterfly. I love being home. rachylou on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485592 Sat, 02 May 2015 19:14:03 +0000 rachylou 1485592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ need down time after social activities and gatherings so that I can mentally re-group One of my best reads (wish I could remember the title), was this story about a woman who measures all her social interactions in recovery time... e.g., a hello to the post man - 5 minutes, extended chat with neighbor - 1 hour, etc. Lol. That still makes me laugh. So true. I'm a borderline introvert/extrovert. I can go one way or the other, but not on a daily basis. I have to live one way or the other. You are one up on me: You have a full dance card. I have to work up some energy to get past the inertia just to go out to hear some flamenco or something... and then after about two hours I'm ready to come home... Also, I had a thought: meaningful acquaintances and friendships are built up over time. Layers of experiences with one another. One of my strategies, moving new places, is to find places (and activities) I like and become a regular... even down to ordering the same thing every time. I.e., to become known. Every now and then, someone shakes out as a person I can I discuss things at length with and have interesting conversations. As an introvert, this strategy also gives me my acclimation time. When I go in to one of these regular places, I'm pre-prepared to be open and chat. I don't do the cold plunge, not since I stopped doing fundraising and PR work. I just have to remember not to take classes where I'm so interested in the subject, I sit in the front row, stare at the teacher, and shush the people sitting next to me, hehe. And I had another thought: Sometimes I have to make room in my life for someone to come in. Literally. Like moving my stuff off all the places to sit. And lots of times, I have to remind myself that you have to be vulnerable. I don't mean taking on the risk of being emotionally vulnerable. I mean, people bring their problems along with them and you have to sorta be interested in those problems... hey! don't laugh at me. I'm really afraid of ennui. But I'm just going on about me now... Looks like you asked and the universe answered Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485490 Sat, 02 May 2015 14:12:15 +0000 Anonymous 1485490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, you are so right about the mums and kids thing. I met my small group of friends via mums and toddlers group and whilst I've known them about 10 years I feel like I'm moving on a little. There is only one of the group who is a bit arty, so I do connect a bit more with her, but non of them are into fashion or sewing at all and I need like minded people to connect with. As you say "eventually those mums will be looking for women who share their passions"...absolutely! Suz on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485483 Sat, 02 May 2015 13:58:08 +0000 Suz 1485483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't it strange how sometimes when we find the words to finally express what we have been feeling, something comes along to help us with the situation that is bothering us? So glad you enjoyed the gathering last night and felt empowered. I do think, as Firecracker said, that often in adulthood our deepest friends come more from shared commitments and activities than from our jobs, per se. As an artist who also has various paid jobs, my deepest friendships tend to be with my artist-pals. Not inevitably. (It's good to connect with people outside our "inside groups" sometimes -- and also interesting! -- and many of my oldest friends work as teachers, doctors, farmers, occupational therapists, etc.) But, while I might have warm connections to people who don't share my passion for writing and literature, it's harder to connect to those who don't at least read a great deal or those who have no involvement in the arts.  The friends I made as a new mum tended to be short term -- they were friendly acquaintances, who were around while our kids were in the same classes or activities but who fell off the radar as the kids moved on and grew apart. That's been true of all but a couple of mum friends. And one of those was already a friend (from before we became mums). So while I think it often looks as if mums are busy with mum-friends, (and it might be true while the kids are a specific age), eventually those mums will be looking for women who share their passions.  Summer on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485421 Sat, 02 May 2015 11:31:27 +0000 Summer 1485421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another introvert checking in!  Actually Suz's reply really resonated with me, as most of my closest friends are now, ironically, living at some distance from me, and we don't get together as much as we'd like. I agree with Crutcher that you come across as a very friendly person, and you are already doing all the right things by joining various groups and activities.  I also agree that YLF meet-ups are calling your name loud and clear. Rachylou is right that owning a dog guarantees lots of friendly contact.  I have met so many lovely people when walking my dog, sometimes just a quick chat, but those often lead to real friendships over time.  I promise you that you can never feel alone when you have a pet, they are wonderful company, and they never argue with you! Good luck with expanding your social life, and remember that you always have your YLF friends here. Ledonna N. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485408 Sat, 02 May 2015 10:56:50 +0000 Ledonna N. 1485408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW, feeling very overwhelmed right now. So many kindred souls and great advise. Thank you all for sharing your thought and feelings on this subject. Dian G -" I'm not overly introvert, but I do need down time after social activities and gatherings so that I can mentally re-group. I just need to find more like minded ladies like I met in Seattle, yourself included. " This is how i feel after an event it can be draining is the best I can describe it. When I go dancing I would have to sit in my car and give myself a pep talk just to go in. Which I do for most events that I show up for. Most people are very friendly but beyond surface conversation not much talking happens. An animal may be the way to go also like Anna said the singles club sounds good. Actually all the susgestions sound great. I went to a Women for Justice event last night in Chicago and it was really empowering. Just as I wrote this and was thinking how lonely I am this even came along and I was not going to go but I did. I made some great connections so we will see how it goes they meet once a month I will let you all know how it goes. A YLF meet up is just the thing I need and I know that there is one in May, I can't make that one but the next one sign me up. The swim club suggestion is a good idea I love to swim. Thank you all again I am so glad for YLF once a gain. This feels like such a safe space. Deborah on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485405 Sat, 02 May 2015 10:45:28 +0000 Deborah 1485405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think many of us relate on some level.  I have become more of an introvert as I get older.  I relocated 4 years ago and only recently connected with a wonderful lady who is 10+ years my senior and I have been so blessed by her friendship.  I have a handful of close girlfriends.  Some like the one I mention are new, the others I have know for many years.  Connecting with people is a funny thing.  As many of you know I am a mum but I have never connected well through mothers groups, sports or any of those 'kid' based activities.  Some have mentioned a divide between women with kids and those who don't and between marrieds and singles, but I have found a divide between mums that work and mums that don't!? The only suggestion I have is trust God, and don't be afraid to step out and make the first move in offering your friendship to someone you think you relate well to. Firecracker (Sharan) on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485319 Sat, 02 May 2015 03:13:09 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1485319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, and I think Beth Ann is in your area, isn't she? Yoo hoo, Beth Ann. . ..! Firecracker (Sharan) on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485318 Sat, 02 May 2015 03:11:15 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1485318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm an extrovert more than an introvert. My family moved around when I was a kid, and I used to go knock on the neighbors' doors and introduce myself and ask, "do you have any kids my age?" Must have embarrassed my mother to no end. But I do empathize with the difficulty of making friends as an adult, especially if it's not your nature to go out on a limb with people. I find it easiest to make friends by joining clubs and activities. I made friends here in Seattle when we moved in 8 years ago by joining a master's swim team and the American Sewing Guild chapter. I have friends from both groups that I get together with outside the group's activities. Maybe that strategy will work for you. Post-Army days, I really don't find I make friends at work. I am always friendly with people at work, but I don't usually see them outside of work. It sounds like that's going to be the case for you, because it sounds like your mostly male co-workers aren't going to oblige you with "girl-time"--ha ha! Suz on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485305 Sat, 02 May 2015 02:50:29 +0000 Suz 1485305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's really tough to make and keep real life friends in adulthood. I think that's why so many of us gravitate to this group.  As you've already seen, you're not alone. Many, many of us on this forum are introverts. Count me into that club. I do have close friends, but distance and work/family pressures combine to make it awfully hard to get together with them sometimes. And even when I do, I need to recover afterwards. ;) I highly recommend a YLF meetup!! If you're anywhere near a place where other Fabbers live, join them one day for some shopping and laughs.  Daria on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485276 Sat, 02 May 2015 01:00:21 +0000 Daria 1485276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ladywone, I'm kind of in the same boat. Introvert in male dominated field (software industry like you). I also moved around a lot, so those friends that I did make in my 20-s are now far away, and even though we still  maintain relationships (via FB etc) we really don't get to see each other often. I have two small children, and I occasionally do participate in events organized by their preschool - but then it's all around children, and all the conversations are about children. Which on one hand is a great way to find common ground, but on the other hand is always superficial. For you book club might be a good idea. Or a foreign language class in the evening or weekend. Angie on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485183 Fri, 01 May 2015 21:16:15 +0000 Angie 1485183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aha. So DS socializes with Dad. Makes sense, Diane. Have you tried pulling together a sewing group?  Ladyone, I just thought of another idea. How about Book Club?  Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485171 Fri, 01 May 2015 20:27:43 +0000 Anonymous 1485171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, my son is that bit older now and does his own thing. He doesn't attend many extra curricular stuff, but does do slot car racing with his dad, so his activities don't provide any social outlet for me at all. I'm not overly introvert, but I do need down time after social activities and gatherings so that I can mentally re-group. I just need to find more like minded ladies like I met in Seattle, yourself included. Yes it was fun! Angie on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485168 Fri, 01 May 2015 20:03:41 +0000 Angie 1485168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sara, you are right. I have a few close friends with kids, and it merely requires timeous upfront planning so that sitters can be arranged and calendars can be cleared. Our time together is not nearly as frequent, but it's just as meaningful.  Lisa, you did not strike me as an introvert. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, and might have to call you Princess Book Worm.  Diane, I didn't think you were an introvert either. Do you find yourself wrapped up in your son's social activities? LOVED our time together in Seattle. SOOOO FUN.  Anonymous on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485166 Fri, 01 May 2015 20:02:07 +0000 Anonymous 1485166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel your pain LW. I do have a very small group (4) friends, but you know, I feel as though I have little in common with them and only see them about every 5/6 weeks, if that. I have more in common with the ladies on here. I work at home on my own and whilst I see clients, I often spend days barely speaking to anyone. I almost started a thread myself similar to this one. I need to sit down and consider the best ways to go about widening my social circle too, so I'm going to keep popping back to this thread. I can vouch for YLF meet ups though. I did one last year in Seattle(I flew all the way from UK!) It was amazing to meet so many fab ladies from YLF. I'm afraid I'm not exactly sure how to answer your question but just wanted to give you moral support.  BTW I love The Walking Dead! Sara L. on "How do you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-it#post-1485161 Fri, 01 May 2015 19:45:13 +0000 Sara L. 1485161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm much better at keeping/maintaining a few close friendships rather than a large group of friends.  I tend to be introverted and many of my current friends I've met through my kids (parents of their friends, on the same soccer team, etc.).  I just wanted to say that just because someone has kids, don't count them out.  They might not be as spontaneous as a single friend, but many women with children enjoy being away from their family and indulging in some non-kid/family activities.  However, they probably need more advance notice of activities in order to line up babysitting or clear their calendar.