I would suggest Meetup.com
When you join (it’s free), you search by your own interests.
My boss went through a divorce and was lonely. I suggested it to him. He joined a sailing group.
The thing with Meetup is these people want to be around people who enjoy something they enjoy. There are photography groups, art, sailing, caving……the list is a mile long.

In order to find a really good friend, you’ll need to be one. Recognize people’s birthdays. Ask them about their weekend or recent trip. Join facebook and invite them. It grows from there. However, I can’t promise tons of great friends. I feel blessed to have ONE golden friend and several people I can laugh with and have coffee with. And my new job with increased hours has left my best friend a little lonely and missing me. I hate it. But I had to work more. I just try to squeeze in coffee…a quick text…a card in the mail…and an occasional gals evening.

Best of luck. Hang in there!

When I was in my 20s and in love with a man I dated five years, I knew I’d never get over it.
I’m not going to tease you. It takes a while. At some point, you’ll realize you weren’t meant to be together. And if you were, your paths will cross again.
I am now married to a man who supports my dreams. I wasn’t looking for someone to take care of me financially. You deserve better than that!
Not only did I get over that first love, I am so happy we didn’t end up together! Now I know what it feels like when someone loves you back.
You are very young and it breaks my heart to hear of your pain. I think of my sons and pray they never feel that pain. But they probably will. It happens to everyone. You will survive!
Focus on what you can do to make your life right and only then pursue love. We all need to earn money … even if it’s not a lot. And we all need to take care of ourselves first.
Journal your thoughts. Make a plan. Get a hobby you love. Go out and enjoy nature. Learn an instrument. The more peaceful you become, the more you will attract the right person. NEVER EVER EVER tell yourself there is only one person. There isn’t. There are millions and millions.
HUGS!

Dear Tessa,
It hurts our feelings when a close friend says we’re “too” anything! I don’t even like being called “too nice” because I feel like a sucker.
You’re probably not too intense. However, it would be best for you if you find a way not to obsess or put the cart before the horse, so to speak.

Try not to project what you hope the relationship will be and just try to enjoy it one day at a time.

When you talk with your friend, are you allowing adequate pauses between thoughts? If you sound frantic and are rambling it can come across as too intense. Be sure you are also asking her about her life.

Imagining the worst is nearly as bad as if it happened. It isn’t helping you.
I have a close friend who is terribly stressed about work and money. I love her. But I can’t call her anymore. I check in via email.
She starts a frantic stream of thoughts “I have to keep this job. If I lose this job I’ll lose my house. My boss hates me and I don’t feel good at what I do and I think they’ll figure it out and fire me….”

Read that and tell me how it makes you feel? It’s intense and it stresses me because there’s never a break from it with her. She needs therapy because our friends are not our therapists.

It may help you to talk to someone professionally if your thoughts run rampant. Or start by saying in your head “Stop. Is there proof? Is it helping to think that way?” And go out and have fun with your friend!

Remember to take some deep breaths. Maybe journal. When you write how you feel it truly helps. You can look back at it, reread and if you still feel the same anxiety, then confide in a friend…make sure it’s in a relaxed environment. Don’t bring it up at the end of a long work day (for her). Spend some quiet fun time with her. Then later in the day ask her if she thinks whatever you are concerned about is truly a concern.

Good luck.