Any tips for adults on how to meet new friends?

I am looking for suggestions on how adults can meet and make new friends. It seems to get more difficult the older my husband and I get to meet new people. We are late 20s-early 30s, one child, %26amp; we do not drink or smoke so bars are out of the question.

Any tips for adults on how to meet new friends?
You can do volunteer work--my sister and her kids volunteer at Ronald McDonald House and have met some nice other volunteers who have the same basic social values. Or you can organize (or get involved in) one of the Habitat for the Humanities house building projects (if they don't have one in your area, make it happen). Volunteer at the SPCA if you've got one of those (and if you like animals). Figure out the things you all like to do (individually and as a family) and focus in on places that will be interesting for you and where other people will have like-interests--it's easier to start a conversation if you are among folks who enjoy the same thing. And make sure you chat a lot, just say to the family standing next to you something like "don't you just LOVE [whatever it is the function is]? We're new to this ..." and just carry on indicating that you'd like to meet more people of similar interest. Eventually, after you meet enough people, you will filter out those that aren't what you feel you'd enjoy hanging with. But you have to put yourselves out there and not just huddle together as a family so no one feels like breaking in. If you have hobbies, look into groups that meet for that. Does you child play sports? Sign him/her up for some sports and make it to the meets so you can meet other parents. If you have a local bookstore that feels good to you, ask one of the storekeepers if they know of a book club (if you're into that) you could join and if there is not one, maybe you could ask if you could start one and post a note in the store. Start a walking group (small gang who goes out walking for exercise and fun)--can be just in the major mall (walking is sweeter with company). Or a movie discussion group (like a book club but using movies instead as the focus of teh discussion). It's getting near election time so you could volunteer to sign up voters in your area (you'd get to know your neighbors) or work for your favorite politician. Get involved at your child's school--some schools need parent volunteers (both parents) and you'd get a good idea of what is going on in the school (you could then be the one to organize bake sales, book drives and school dances). One of my local churches offers square and folk dancing once a week and you don't have to be a member of the church or even believe in religion. The local museums have lecture nights on various subjects. There are docet tours of some of the local attractions (you might want to do that) or conduct a walking tour of your local attractions. See what your community has to offer. Or make your own offerings and invite the world to join in. But you have to make it all happen for yourselves.
Reply:You guys sound awesome. To meet others who take care of themselves too try joining a local gym club. Both of you will have a chance to meet others and then each of you can introduce their spouses to yours.


Also as your child grows up and goes to preschool, then you will meet a TON of other parents, but until the school parent meetings get going the gym is a great place. It aslo has a great side effect of getting in shape. BTW most also have a baby sitting area so your baby can play as you get fit and make new friends.


Good luck ;o)