I am not a mommy blogger either...and a little older than you. Sounds like you need a hands-on hobby (for individual growth) and to volunteer more for organizations you feel strongly about (without your hubby) for communal growth. You will make 'real' friends...and quickly.

Love and Laughter,

Shonika Proctor, Teen Biz Coach 

if you want to become a powerful person, continue to empower others. Looking forward to more of your contributions in the community :)

That would mean that you live in or nearby Annapolis/Baltimore and there is plenty of fun stuff that you can get into with or without your hubby and be able to meet new people. First stop, this upcoming Friday's EYC Bash. They are having a huge party on 1st Street in Eastport to welcome the Boat Show. A ton of people will be there.

Second stop, Maritime Republic of Eastport, contact Jess Pachler and she will tell you the list of upcoming events and how you can get involved (if you are not already) and third stop- Night of 100 Elvises...if you enjoy Elvis. Lots of fun people will be there. First weekend of Dec in Baltimore at the Lithuanian Hall. http://www.nightof100elvises.com

Love and Laughter,

Shonika Proctor, Teen Biz Coach 

if you want to become a powerful person, continue to empower others. Looking forward to more of your contributions in the community :)

Now, you mention the EYC bash- I guess I am not used to going to events and meeting people, because they are generally WITH other people and not so interested in meeting the weird broad who showed up alone. I'm not good at breaking the ice with people who are engaged in their own conversations/worlds.

The volunteering, on the other hand, would be an easier way for me to meet people because we're doing something together. I've been searching for the right volunteering gig - I'm really looking forward to doing it now that I have TIME to do so.

:-)

Thanks for your comments!

I'm 36, divorced (but in a relationship), no kids and I am in the same boat as you. All of the women I am acquainted with have children and that completely fills in their social calendars. It is really lonely out there - I hear ya!

(Just read your NKOTB concert report - I was in my teens when they were big and I'm KICKING myself that I didn't pony up the cash to see them in Atlantic City.)

Shonika's suggestions are wonderful - maybe I should find someplace to volunteer too. :)

-.- .. -- -... . .-. .-.. -.--

Kimberly

www.ladygypsy.net

..ok, ok, I agree there are some people that are super insecure, but that is highlighted when you come across as if you have an ulterior motive other than just hanging and chilling with folks. Annapolis area is boating community, it is probably easiest to meet people there than most other areas in Baltimore or DC area. Everybody is just so darn laid back there. Ever go to Eastport (over the 6th Street Bridge) in Downtown Annapolis? They are very communal. 

Funny thing, I recently did a blog post on this topic for my teens bc I think that this mindset develops when you are young. Your parents always get all funky when you are 'embarassing' them in social situations and there are few other times in your life when you probably would have the opportunity to make small talk with random people. So as peopel get older I think that makes it increasingly more difficult.

I really think the volunteer route is the way to go. Pick something you love alot. Then you will be working with other people who share that interest and it makes it easier to find common ground. Go to something like volunteermatch.org or you can just look up a list of non-profits that do something you are into and call them. Believe me people seldom turn down free help. Then once you go a few times and help them out when you see repeat volunteers (you will) then ask a group of them or a couple of them if they want to go to happy hour or something.

Not everybody is married and have kids...problem is the ones who don't most times are often shy in some respect just like you :) One of you have to be proactive. Another thing you have to practice doing is when you go out with your busband try to separate and network independently of him. More people will approach you when it is 'one' of you. It's important to have self-confidence whether you are chatting with guys or girls. I will try to keep you in my network of when things are coming up in your area. I volunteer 30 or so hours a month from DC-Baltimore....and I will pretty much talk to anybody...and I am mean anybody, lol.

Love and Laughter,

Shonika Proctor, Teen Biz Coach 

if you want to become a powerful person, continue to empower others. Looking forward to more of your contributions in the community :)