If I Could Spray Paint A Message Across The Forum...

[Red Feather]

Maybe art classes? Or choir? I think working creatively with or around people is one of the best ways to get to know others. I am slowly building my social network here in Berlin. It is hard because I moved here and left all my friends.

 

[Tanishq]

Yes, I am trying to manifest some connections with people. I don't like to remain isolated because of suffering.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I joined a couple of free, chronic pain support groups and met several friends. I was amazed at myself. It is still hard making plans and going out with these friends.

 

[Whitneys story]

Excellent thread! My day will fly. On my phone I cannot read the new forum header, but I know it is outstanding.

I may say it often, "We just keep asking questions"; eventually one sticks! And of course one more time, Thank You for the forum Anthony and Nicolette.

I would spray paint: No matter who you are, no matter what you suffer; you are in the best place for your journey of discovery and healing! Hugs Whitney

 

[Whitneys story]

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people. Private Animal rescue's are fabulous. The people that generally are there are very compassionate to begin with. Abandoned animals can be very healing.

State or government run operations I would advise caution

Just make sure the location separates the angry animals from the others.:D

 

[The Albatross]

I tried some involvement with peers (people my own age) by doing some volutneer work. Filing, answering phones, or manning a water station... so many causes, are short on volunteers. I got some exposure, and it didn't cost me anything more than the price of gas.

 

[Eleanor]

We live in a people rich world. And most of them are quite nice. I love the animal shelter volunteer idea - definitely a pool of nice people pretty much everywhere....

If there is a "meals on wheels" program near you that is a nice thing to do too. And if you don't have transport/want to deliver which means you only have to see one person at a time, and they are generally very glad to see you, they always need help making the meals - often in the early AM, so the atmosphere tends to be pretty low key....

 

[Eleanor]

Like my grandpa used to say: "If you want a friend, be a friend." Talk first. Just jump in.

 

[angel2write]

I think there's a step before talking. Watch people. In the store. In the mall. In the car next to you. And get used to thinking, "That person looks like a nice person."

Then saying "Hi" and smiling at check-out people and stockers and strangers.

Then starting to chat up your check-out lady or waitress or whatever. Just walking around thinking, "What nice people. She looks kind. He looks friendly." And before you know it, you open your mouth and something comes out...

 

[DharmaGirl]

Wow, Angel, Awesome!! I never thought of that. I will have to start doing that. Not only will it make it easier to meet people, it will make it safer to get out of the house!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Angel I did that with the people who work at McDonalds. We go for a mocha frappe every day and have gotten to know quite a few of them there. It is very pleasant. I say hi to the people who check out my groceries and sometimes get them to talk. They are moving very fast so they do not have alot of time to talk.

They did a cancer fund thing and the atmosphere was wonderful. They were all so cheerful and happy. I like to talk to people. It is just small talk and I have had alot of practice.

That was a good idea of how you said to notice them being nice people. It sure makes everything alot more pleasant.

 

[Eleanor]

I also try to take time to find something to admire in people's behavior and appearance.
"Wow, beautiful earrings" or "Super shoes" or, "You handled that well!" always seems welcome!