How do I meet and make friends?

I'm a young mum, and have a two year old daughter. I moved from the city to the country last year. I am not able to drive just yet, but there are buses. But I am a shy person. I stick to people I know and talk one on one to new people, but I don't know how to break out of my shell to make friends. I have DD's name on a playgroup waiting list. I feel quite lonely sometimes, but really don't know what to do.

I was at your stage a while ago. I called my local council and they gave me names and places of playgroups etc. Give that a try ;)

Hi Echidna - you sound like me!! We moved to "the country" just after xmas & I don't drive either.

The waiting list for playgroup is great, is that the only one in your area? If it isn't, enquire about any others or if it is you can START YOUR OWN! How cool would that be?! If the other group has a waiting list you've already got some Mums that will come! You might find that having a specific purpose would make you less she as you had to organise things etc.

I just started going to playgroup last week & two weeks ago started DD's swimming lessons - already met another "cloth nappying" Mum at swimming which is cool.

Get out & do things that interest you... I've just voulenteered to help with a sustainability program at the local community centre so may meet new people that way, not that that was my motivation, but think about it, where did you meet your partner...? So many people meet at work or studying... study, that's another option, there are always PT courses or special interest courses.

Join a club, whether it be a photograph club or sports club or whatever...

...I'm sure someone will come along with more ideas for you soon!!

Also, relax! There really aren't that many extroverted go-getter types, so many people feel shy & uncomfortable when meeting new people, just be yourself & it will all come naturally.

Good luck!!

(PS, don't feel lonely when we're here!!! :D)

I have done that, there is a waiting list for the day I requested. They have groups on 5 days a week, but I chose one of the days over the others because DD is at her father's on a rotating cycle, and I don't want her missing out on 1 or 2 weeks in a row because she is with her father.

Where are you echidna? Maybe there are some other BB girls nearby ;)

I know how you feel....i dont have many friends where i live. When i do go out and try to meet people i dont seem to 'fit in' so i keep to myself. I have my kids in FDC for a good reason...so they can play with other kids....cos if i didnt, then they would only ever play with each other which is a bit sad to think of (well for me it is).

PLaygroups are good, but all the ones ive looked into have the 'up them self' mothers, mothers groups were full of the same.

As Sarah said, maybe theres a BB meet up you could go to, or some members in your area.

I really wish i could fit in with alot of the SE Melb girls....but i think im on a different planet to them..LOL

I'm three hours out of Sydney, and about an hour and a half west of Newcastle.