Making Friends as an Adult

Doing a bit of a larger reply since multiple people have hit the point of Hobby Groups. I think that is a valid way to get out of the rut, I am just struggling to find something genuinely engaging to consider looking into. 

Half of it is my own fault. I'm currently working in Thailand for the next 4 months, so there's not a lot I can do in finding those connections back home in the UK yet. I would like to actively look into finding something new to have as a special interest but I am struggling to find something that appeals to me. My previous major interest was in Card Games, which has become difficult for me to pursue due to a terrible decision that I am suffering the mental repercussions of. 

While in Thailand, I have found that I enjoy walking a moderate amount as a way to clear my head from stress. I went hiking in the Jungles during my break from work and aside from having probably some of the worst clothing, and an overpacked bag, it was a fun experience to go through. I'm not sure if there is much overlap between Autistic people and hiking, particularly in England where our home is mostly flat besides places like the Peak or Lake District which are very dependent on you living in a particular location. 

I'm happy to look into other things; i'm just not sure where to start. I liked watching disney/pixar movies a lot with my ex, but that was part of the experience of being in a relationship rather than something I would seek out on my own terms. 

For those of you who found a Hobby Group, what did you find and how did you start out?

A hiking/walking group sounds like a good place to start! You absolutely can hike on the flat, it's just a different experience from hill walking, for instance maybe taking in local landmarks or walking to places of historical interest.

Are you ok with social media places like FB? Perhaps while you are still abroad, you could join a FB group of a walking group near the place where you will be staying.

Let them know you will be moving to the area and are looking to get some info about walks in the area. Chatting with group members online would also help with meeting in person when you move there.

I like walks too, but I'm not part of a group. I tend to just go myself or with a few friends. Even if I'm going to the same places again, it's nice to see how they change with the seasons.

The hobby group I am a part of is a craft one at my local library. The library info board can be a good place to see what is on offer in your area. They also sometimes run social coffee groups once a month for people who want to meet new people.

I like arts and making things, so there is a local studio that is offering messy art classes on a fortnightly basis. I might also go along to those, not for the purpose of making friends, but just because it's something I want to do. Is there a class or workshop you would be interested in doing?

Anyway, hope some of this helps.

A hiking/walking group sounds like a good place to start! You absolutely can hike on the flat, it's just a different experience from hill walking, for instance maybe taking in local landmarks or walking to places of historical interest.

Are you ok with social media places like FB? Perhaps while you are still abroad, you could join a FB group of a walking group near the place where you will be staying.

Let them know you will be moving to the area and are looking to get some info about walks in the area. Chatting with group members online would also help with meeting in person when you move there.

I like walks too, but I'm not part of a group. I tend to just go myself or with a few friends. Even if I'm going to the same places again, it's nice to see how they change with the seasons.

The hobby group I am a part of is a craft one at my local library. The library info board can be a good place to see what is on offer in your area. They also sometimes run social coffee groups once a month for people who want to meet new people.

I like arts and making things, so there is a local studio that is offering messy art classes on a fortnightly basis. I might also go along to those, not for the purpose of making friends, but just because it's something I want to do. Is there a class or workshop you would be interested in doing?

Anyway, hope some of this helps.

Ah that does sound complicated. I hope you find something that works for you once you are in your new situation.

So it's a bit complicated. I'll be doing my PGCE full-time in September somewhere in England. Where is dependent on who decides to offer me a place, and could be anywhere from Newcastle to York currently. That's why I haven't actively committed to looking into any social media groups yet. I'll be staying with my parents who live deep in the Scottish Highlands, halfway between Aberdeen & Inverness, and will be up to my neck in paperwork for those 4-5 months before I move back down south.

Tragically I don't know many places to hike in Northern England, and would likely need some kind of assistance in working that out. Something which is made doubly awkward thanks to the aforementioned current lack of clarity on where I will be living once home. 

Something I also struggle a lot with is finding interest in things for myself. I have very niche interests, and if I don't see something as interesting I tend to not bother trying it. I need someone else to push me, basically. I find it hard to envision myself going to a library, looking at a board, and seeing something that would genuinely intrigue me. But all the power to you for finding something that works for you! I'm glad it works; i'm just skeptical it would work for me alone. By the same token, i'm not sure there are any classes/workshops that would stick out for me.

I'm happy to look into these things but I don't expect many tangible results.