r/Eugene • u/SatireStarlet • 5d ago
Does anyone have any good ideas for meeting friends around here?
I'm in my mid forties and female. I'm working from home right now and work doesn't seem like a good place to make friends anyway. I've lived in the area for all my life and people have came and gone. So I really don't have anyone to hang out with, other than my partner, it would be nice to find other humans to hang out with. It kinda seems like no one wants new friends or is too busy. I'm kinda shy too which doesn't help. I don't really drink and I don't think bars are the best for making friends either. Anyway, I've blabbed too much already š So I guess I'm just looking for tips on activities or ways to meet new people. It's kinda scary honestly.
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u/RoughFill 5d ago
What do you like to do ? Me and my partner are always looking to make new friends as well..it is hars to do . I'm 42 and she is 33. We like to hike, camp, dance in the woods , travel , 420 etc. But it is very tough with time management. The world likes to keep us to busy to unite.
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u/wvmitchell51 5d ago
Eugene Rec has all kinds of activities maybe you can check it out
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u/Training_Bee3750 5d ago
This! I joined a beginners clay hand building class and made quite a few friends that I look forward to seeing every week. There are tons of different classes based on your interests. The only downside is signups can be a bit competitive so you have to set alarms to sign up!
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u/elementalbee 5d ago
Tbh Iāve made ALL of my good friends through work, current and former jobs. And these arenāt just like ācoworker friendsā these are my people, I just met them through work. Without that outlet I donāt know how Iād have any friends here. I actually donāt have a single friend besides a couple family members that I didnāt meet through work.
One of my friends rock climbs and I know heās made a group of friends just being at the climbing gym together. I have another friend who is adamant that Orange Theory fitness is the best thing ever and she has several friends sheās met doing classes there for years. So fitness classes may not be a terrible start?
My sister lives in Portland and she was using a dating app (I want to say bumble?) when she first moved there but had it set to search friends only. She has actually made a couple close friends through it and she said the app has that feature exclusively to just find friends.
Iāve noticed most people in Eugene are actually really kind and friendly, but not at first glance. I think we appear kind of standoffish but if youāre willing to put yourself out there and just strike up convo, it seems like itās better than some parts of the US.
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u/Rune_nic 5d ago
Tons of threads if you use the search bar.
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u/SpartacusTRector 5d ago
Feel free to ping us. We have the same thing and always looking to make new friends.
We like to go to breakfast at Brails or other breakfast spots on weekends. Also work from home and all. Hope to hear from you and HNY.
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u/Lopsided_Piece9542 5d ago
HNY! What do you work from Home?
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u/SpartacusTRector 5d ago
We do office work. Different branches and such. Feel free to DM if you'd like.
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u/Warm-Vanilla420 5d ago
consider volunteering. there are so many options around here, and it's a low pressure way to meet people who share your interests.
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u/xihua222 5d ago
Do you like to knit or crochet? There are craft groups at Cozy that look quite fun! Also look into volunteering!
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u/Plenty_Kangaroo3797 5d ago
I am part of a group called geek girls on meet up. We would love for you to join. š
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u/luvapug 4d ago
Ohh that sounds like my kind of peeps, are they any age? Iām an older geek lol
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u/Plenty_Kangaroo3797 4d ago
Adults of all ages are welcome! I think there are specific details in the Meetup group. I'm not too good at using Meetup. We do dinners, game nights, etc.
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u/Chuck_ag928 5d ago
I don't have any advice but I wanted you to know that it isn't just you. I've been here 11+ years now and don't really have any friends outside of work. Good luck, and don't give up!
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u/Lopsided_Piece9542 5d ago
Do you have kids? I have two boys and would love to make new mom friends. Ps Iām on those subs too
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u/Maleficent_Wash457 5d ago
Start investing in yourself first!
Play out to your likes & interests that make you a better person. Gym, dancing, workout classes, cooking classes, wine tasting. Something where you can be in your shell, but also be surrounded by others. Soon enough, youāll have people that cross your way to call a friend.šā¤ļø
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u/oldswirlo 5d ago
Iām a lady in in mid 40s, what do you like to do? Iām into knitting, reading, gravel cycling, hiking. Iāve also been looking for a gym buddy.
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u/Full_Blacksmith5736 4d ago
I wish I had good advice for you. I joined a Meet-Up group for Introverts over two years ago, and they have yet to announce a gathering. (This is funny, but itās absolutely real!!)
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u/Indy_Anna 5d ago
My husband, son, and I just moved to town and are looking for friends. We also don't really drink. Im in my late 30s, husband mid 40s, and our son is 5. We are professional archaeologists who love reading, board games, being outdoors, etc. I would be happy to go grab coffee and have a chat sometime! Message me :)
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u/reversesunset 5d ago
Some great advice in the comments, but Iāll add that if you do something you enjoy in itself, youāll enjoy doing the thing even if you donāt meet a friend. Youāll also already be around people who you share a similar interest. Iād start with the Eugene rec guide, keep in mind registration fills up fast, and the Eugene weekly. There are so many opportunities to volunteer here. Burrito brigade or friends of trees immediately come to mind, but thereās probably 100s of other groups in town to help out at. I hope that helps. š„°
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u/InThisHouseWeBelieve 5d ago
Go to the bar anyway. Get a club soda. People hang out at the bar to talk and meet strangers. You don't have to drink, just tip the guy for your water each time and you'll be fine.
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u/541dose 5d ago
Live music š¶
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u/SatireStarlet 4d ago
That is a good idea. I do love live music. I really do need to make an effort to get out more. I do have a lot of hobbies and stuff that keeps me busy but I still get lonely. Ya know š
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u/inspired5 3d ago
Mike Meyer puts on a lot of local live music shows. Also weekly dances and other events. Friendly folks. Email [mmeyer@efn.org](mailto:mmeyer@efn.org) to get on his list.
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u/nick91884 5d ago
Do you have hobbies or maybe a hobby that interests you that you want to learn and start? I would check out places where other people are enjoying those hobbies, you would have a common interest, to build upon.
If you give some info on what hobbies and activities interest you we could point you in the direction of possible groups or classes where you can improve skills and possibly meet others with the same interests.
Other places to meet people: Volunteer for charitable and civic organizations. Get involved and volunteer in local government (there are often positions for appointed citizens to join committees and such). Do you subscribe to any religion? Places of worship are usually great places to make friends.
You said you dont care to drink, but plenty of pubs and bars have weekly activities like trivia, game nights, open mic for music or comedy, watching sports or other televised events. Not everyone drinks, some people just go for the activities and most of these places have some decent grub to eat as well.
Go out and do stuff, you cant meet and hang out with new people at home. And when you're out doing said stuff, strike up conversations with folks around you.
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u/SatireStarlet 4d ago
Yeah I do have a lot of hobbies. I like art and crafts and reptiles. Someone else mentioned a clay work group. That sounds like fun. I do enjoy working with clay. Thanks for the tips. I guess part of the problem is that I just need to get out more š
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u/Spiritual-Barracuda1 5d ago
Try WWW. Wine Women and Wealth. Meets once a month and usually has a great guest speaker. https://allevents.in/eugene/wine-women-and-wealth-springfiled-eugene/200027682084132#
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u/Lopsided_Piece9542 5d ago
Iām a mom of two boys and 45 yo. I live towards Florence so not in Eugene all the time but frecuente.
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u/claudia_grace 5d ago
The Eugene Women's Social Club does general meetups once a month, craft meetups, and other one-off things. We are planning to meet up as a group this Friday for the First Friday Art Walk. Join us on discord: https://womens.eugenesocialclub.com/Ā Let me know if that doesn't work.