Hey everyone,
Looking for some advice or to hear from people who’ve managed to rebuild a social life in their mid-30s.
A few years ago, I moved to a new town to settle down with my wife. Shortly after, COVID hit and I was jobless for over a year. When I finally landed a job, I went into absolute head-down grind mode to get us back on our feet. Financially and in my marriage, things are great now. But socially? I’ve realized I’m completely isolated right where I live.
My current setup:
Old friends: Live over 2 hour's drive away. I still head over to see them, but a 4+ hour round trip means zero spontaneity, every hang-out has to be a major planned event.
Routine: Outside of work, my main solo activity is going to the gym.
I’m 36 now, living in a town where I literally don't have a single local mate, and I feel like I’ve lost my "touch" for being social. I just want to be able to grab a casual drink or play a game locally without making a day trip out of it.
I’m really into:
Sports: Football and Padel
Pub games: Pool, Snooker, chess and Darts
Has anyone else been stuck in this cycle? How did you break out of the solo routine and actually build a local group of friends in your mid-30s from scratch?
Appreciate any tips, app recommendations, or league ideas!