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Finding Friends🐶

Hi guys!😊

 

Last year I posted that I was feeling a bit lonely. Today, sometimes I still struggle with it. But since my last post, I put myself out there and ended up making a few friends🎉

Last year I decided to drop out of school and become an aged carer. That decision has been one of the wisest decisions of my newly adult life. I’ve worked in the industry for about 8 months now and this year I am currently studying at TAFE to become an Enrolled Nurse👩‍⚕️

 

I wanted to share this because, the people I have met, the people I’ve cared for and worked with have been so valuable to me. I’ve learnt so much and I’ve enjoyed almost every second😂

 

My social skills have definitely improved since I started working in the industry, which is a win for me🥳. But like I wrote in my first post, I’m still a natural loner *cue wolf howling at the moon*🌕🐺

 

Still, I struggle finding people my age I genuinely connect with. I’ve spent most of my teenage life without a decent friend in my life, and I really want that to change🙂

 

I’ve been trying my best to put myself out there, but if anyone has any tips on how to find, and especially, how to keep friendships going, I’d really appreciate the advice😊


I hope everyone is doing well and finding ways to enable yourselves to be the best versions of yourselves🙂❤️

Tulip_Komodo_Dragon
Tulip_Komodo_DragonPosted 05-03-2024 12:06 AM

Comments

 
Orchid_Mallard
Orchid_MallardPosted 11-03-2024 12:24 AM

Yooooo @Tulip_Komodo_Dragon

First of all, congrats with stepping into adulthood and going into a career that you like!

It's great that you have improved your social and communication skills. While it would be hard to change a person's nature in socialising, there are still many ways in connecting with others. You can try to connect with similar people by joining a club, or a society. You can also join online communities if that is what you prefer more.

 

My personal suggestion in how to keep up with friendship is by talking to them more often, so that you would be able to develop a better relationship. Even if you aren't able to meet up or have time to hang out with each other, at least there is still communication between the people in the friendship.

Hope this helps!

 
frozenA
frozenAPosted 06-03-2024 03:26 PM

Hey there! First, congratulations on the amazing progress you've made since your last post! 🎉 It's inspiring to see how you've pursued your passion, found fulfillment in your career, and developed your social skills. 🌟

 

Connecting with people your age is indeed a challenge, but it's fantastic that you're actively trying to build those connections. Here are a few tips that might help:

 

Shared Interests: Look for events or groups related to your hobbies or interests. Whether it's a local club, or an online community, shared interests are always a good go-to.

 

Networking at TAFE: Since you're studying to become an Enrolled Nurse at TAFE, consider participating in study groups, workshops, or social events. If there’s also groups to join it can be so fun and great to get friends in the same career path.

 

Open Communication: When you do meet people, be open and genuine in your conversations. Share your experiences, listen actively, and express your interest in getting to know them better.

 

Initiate Plans: Take the initiative to organize casual get-togethers or activities. It’s so important to sometimes be the one to start things, you never know if the other person is wanting to meet up too!

 

Patience and Persistence: Building lasting friendships takes time, so be patient. Continue putting yourself out there, even if it feels challenging at times. Persistence can lead to meaningful connections.

 

Reach Out also has this article to help you out with new friendships.

 

 

Remember, it's perfectly okay to be a natural loner, and everyone has their unique way in friendships. Wishing you all the best on your journey to finding and maintaining meaningful friendships! 🌈🤝

 
Rara
RaraPosted 05-03-2024 11:15 AM

Hi @Tulip_Komodo_Dragon

 

It sounds like you've made a lot of big decisions since last year and it has helped you a lot and your social skills have improved.  

 

I agree with @MentalWealth21 it can be challenging to find and maintain friendships and they have suggested a great way of developing friendships. Are there people your age at TAFE where you could potentially ask to start a study group, I have found that a great way to develop friendships. It can also help with keeping the consistency of seeing eachother and catching up as well. Even at your age care job where maybe you catch up and ask for advice over a coffee but can eventually lead friendship and them introducing you to other people. Just have to consistently reachout and make the effort even if you don't see them everyweek a message can never hurt when making friends. 

 

I would like to say though it is okay to not connect with people your own age. I have about 2 friends that are my own age and then the rest are either a few years older. I met them all through work and we all consistently catch up with each other and they can be really helpful with life advice and taking different paths with my life. 

 

 

 
MentalWealth21
MentalWealth21Posted 05-03-2024 11:02 AM

Hi @Tulip_Komodo_Dragon 

 

So happy to hear that you've made new friends since last year and have taken the leap to leave school to work in aged care and pursue nursing at TAFE. I'm glad everything worked out for you.

 

As for making new friends, I know it can be tough at times however, you sound like you're already doing an amazing job putting yourself out. Well done! Something that's always helped me and my friends is figuring out what we enjoy / what our hobbies are and seeking out social groups within the community or online that engage in the activities that we enjoy. So for example, one of my friends loves running and she was looking to make new friends as well. So she joined the local running club and has met so many great people. She maintains her friendship with them by arranging to have a coffee afterwards to catch up. It might be worth investigating social groups in your area or at your TAFE and attending a few activities. 

 

I think the key to maintaining relationships is consistency and effort so really invest in your friendships and don't be afraid to reach out to people. Either way, you're doing great ! 

Welcome back!

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