The internet has figured out I’m single again, so I’m getting a lot of ads now on Instagram and YouTube for dating sites.
But what I really want is a connection site for gal pals. Buddies. Hang-out friends.
How do you make friends when you’re over 50? I was at the grocery store the other day and saw a lady about my age, with tattooed arms (same) and a Taylor Swift concert tee (same) and raggedy greying hair like a Macbeth witch (same) and I was like, I want to be your friend.
I was thisclose to handing her my number on a card and running away but it was just too stalkerish and weird. No one does that.
It was probably naive of me to imagine that I’d get to keep all my same friends after the split, and I have lost many, and am still losing some, and it hurts more than I thought it would. I have learned that while I never wanted any of my friends to have to choose, for my own mental health I have done some choosing on their behalf, and that has meant more endings in a year full of endings. Every new leaving brings more tears and more mourning and more raging against the lack of light at the end of the tunnel.
And I believe I may have mentioned this but there is just too much new right now and that sucks too.
I know I need people, and that means new friends, and that means horrifying things like leaving the house and exploring new hobbies and speaking to strangers. Honestly, THE WORST.
Where’s match.com for making friends? I feel like Leslie Knope would be all over this.
TurtleHead 
We have hit similar paths in our lives at similar ages (I’m mid-50’s no tattoos but do like Taylor Swift due to my 16 yr old). My life change is more recent (like in the past few weeks) than yours. I’ve always enjoyed your posts (I even have a Tablo thanks to your post years ago). My therapist says I need to get out more socially and meet people. I was like but I’m good and people are peoplely. So your post struck a chord, you are not alone!
So glad to hear it! We should hang out. Quietly. While we both read books and sip tea at opposite sides of the room :).
I like that plan. As she puts herself “out there”. 🙂
I tried similarly to find new girlfriends when I moved to Colorado a few years ago, and there was some site, but I can’t recommend it because a) I forgot what the name was and b) it didn’t work for me at all. We need something better, for sure. You are definitely not alone. Happy to hang out in your nice quiet place and watch Taylor documentaries!
That’s definitely happening!
I’m still around if you want to grab coffee one of these days, you know 😉 (Serious offer, who doesn’t need more friends??)
ZHU! So great to hear from you, yes, let’s get coffee! My email is in the sidebar!
Found the email address.
Sent email.
Coffee shall be had.
Oh, you are in my head. I got my closest friend by inviting myself to her house and saying, “I want to be friends with you.” It was awkward and embarrassing, but effective.
Soon I will be retired and I will have the same issues just retaining the friends I have.
Lol, one of my neighbours and I kind of did that during the pandemic. Worked out great!
Wow, Lynn, lots of changes for you as well!
I was a bit worried about moving here and that I was leaving behind friends. But it turns out that if you are open for new people and new experiences, then it’s not a problem. I only knew a couple of people and now I have a whole circle, which has been incredible.
I think women our age are lonely and craving friendship and if you reach out to them, they will reach back.
Just wanted to send you lots of love and hugs!