Does anyone know of any free, reliable, online friend matching sites? I'm happily married; but would just like to make more friends which has been hard, since I retired, due to being in a basically rural area. The economy hasn't helped either. If you're not into political stuff, religious stuff, kids/grandkids, or rockclimbing, this area doesn't offer much.
I've been told to try Craigslist, but it has a bad reputation in this area; 2 different people I know have met people on CL that turned out bad, theft and other bad stuff. And I heard that Match.com now has a "Platonic Friends" only section, but they're pretty expensive, aren't they?
I am involved in a book club and volunteer work, both of which I enjoy, but neither has led to making friends, just acquaintances only.
By Lynn Marler from Chico, CA
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I would suggest Facebook. It is free. The security has been tightened, just check internet sites for suggestions on privacy settings. You use searches to find others with interests similar to yours and "friend" them. Actual chatting and friendships can develop through carefully developing contacts in this manner.
What about a local community center? And though it may not be appealing at first you may check out some of the nursing homes in the area. There are some people who make friends really easy. :) I think you said you tried a church. You could try PlentyofFish.com which is free. Not sure how well it works as a social gathering site.
If it is still out there, Friendfinder used to be a way to meet people platonically. Eons is also another one for over 50 people and they have local groups you can join.
Why not here! I, so far, have made friends with one, and we chat quite often. I'm into weddings and she is a florist, great combination.
I have the same problem. I am married, semi-retired, volunteer with an avian rescue group, love animals, love to shop at yard sales and thrift shops, and love to try to save money, etc.; but do not meet people to make friends with. I am not looking for male friendship, (hubby wouldn't like that at all, LOL.) But I do get lonely for someone to talk to, with similar interests.
I'm with Kozy, for one. While I haven't gained any face-to-face friends, that's entirely my fault. (I'm pretty shy and don't reach out.) Just remember to set your privacy settings and screen friend requests.
I think you could try Facebook, although usually that is for people you already know. I have connected with distant relatives and old school friends on it. I also have a couple of online friends through there that are into the same interests that I have.
I think you could try Plenty of fish. I use that as a dating site, but I haven't had any trouble with scams or anything, and I know that in larger cities, there are face to face meetings set up for groups. You could check it out; it is all free of charge.
Lavalife had a free site for seniors to network. I forget what it was called, and it was not just for senior dating, but for networking and friendship. I don't know if it is still in operation.
Some magazines have chat lines/ networking sites. I have never tried these, but you could Google and see what you come up.
As far as face to face friend groups, I have a circle of friends in the exercise group that I go to. We exercise 3 times a week, and then have coffee after. Certainly, that doesn't happen all over, the aquasize gals in the summer don't do that, but you could look into it.
And The Red Hats are a group that has as its sole purpose, friendship and fun. They do no good works and do no fund raising. See if you have a group in your area. My town has a population of 5000, and we have 2 Red Hat groups, so ask around. You can also do a search for them online to see if you have any groups in your area.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I actually am already a member of Eons but they have no local groups in my area and the friend requests I've made to the other Eons members in this area have been ignored; so, oh well. I also checked into PlentyofFish, Lavalife, and Friendfinder and none of them seem to be for friends but rather for singles wanting to date only. A few years back, I tried for a period of about 4 years to join one of the Red Hat Society groups in this area but what a disappointment that turned out to be. I guess it's a combination of stuff like the fact that the RHS is losing money, being sued, lack of organization and I also think it's one of those "human nature" things: some people that are already in a group wanting to treat it (and keep it!) as a little exclusive club just for them and their already-existing friends, don't feel like they need new ones, I guess.
I'm sorry for the late answer, but it's a good one - you must try FriendMatch! It is exactly what you are describing that you are looking for! It is not dating at all, just friends. Website: www.friendmatch.org
Only downside is that since it's still fairly new not every region is well represented yet, but I think that in time this will really catch on!
Hi I am Rebecca and I am from England, at 59 years. old I find myself in your position, looking for a friend and finding it difficult due to relocating. If you want to get in touch my email address is Becka351 at hotmail.com
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