SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

ok, before we had kids we settled in an area, had a house, good neighbors, etc for several years. Had one child and that child had friends, activities, etc.

Then, life sorta went to pot and we were moving a lot and not settled. One place was pretty rural and my oldest did not have as much social interaction, but she did still have pre school & swim lessons. My youngest was a baby and I didn't really worry about playdates and that stuff for him

So, we moved again, and this time to a city in an apartment where there were lots of kids--- good socially.

Moved again, to where we will probably settle. Its more rural and not a lot of kids like the city had. People here are more closed and keep to themselves, and have a lot of family around to socialize with. Or, people they have known for years. We are 'outsiders'

I just feel lonely. I also feel like I'm responsible for my kids social lives, and I and getting stressed about this.

we've been in our new spot for a while (a little over a year) and Ive done a great job getting the kids involved in stuff (scouts, etc etc...) I remember from when we were in our house several years ago (before it hit the fan!!) and I remember at about the year mark feeling the same anxious lonely feeling... you aren't really new, so you feel like you should have a ton of friends, know your way around town...

UGH. Anyone else feel this way and want to commiserate, or tell me feeling at home takes time

What size city are you in? Are there any church groups, volunteer groups, or hobby clubs you could get invoked in?

its pretty small, but we are in all of those things. =)

I just feel, I don't know... outside the group... maybe too its because ive been focused on the kids and getting them settled into our new place, and I haven't found my niche

First of all, stop worrying about the kids; they will find their own social level. Once they are in school, it will even out. If they learn to entertain themselves, it will go a long way toward their personal well-being.

As for yourself, you can take what I say with a grain of sal because I'm an introvert and shy, so I don't seek out groups of people. I lived in a moderate sized city for 20 years and had one good friend that I met about 14 years into my residency.

Do you have a hobby or are you interested in some kind of hobby? Start there; don't worry about connecting with people. Find something that makes you happy, and I'll bet you find ways to share it with people.

Gottagetthrough,

I understand how you are feeling. We moved to a pretty rural area almost 3 years ago. We waited for DD to graduate HS and went away to school but she still hates it when she's home. She only recently made a few friends at her part time job (when she's home) and socialized a little with them this past summer.

I still feel like a fish out of water here, although I convinced myself it was what I wanted (to be away from people), but I just do not fit in with the locals here. It did take some time and I've made a couple of friends. I actually met a woman while I was walking my dogs and she invited me to her book club. That was two years ago and I have met some women who I'd consider friends now. H and I socialize occasionally with a couple of them and their husbands.

I think it's easier when you have young kids because it kind of forces you to be connected with the community. Keep doing what you're doing and I think in time you will feel more comfortable and at home there.