Some great ideas and volunteering brings lots of benefits both to you and others.

If you'd like to learn some useful techniques to improve your mood and energy then you're welcome to join my free Hypno-Zoom to 'Release Stress & Re-Energise'.

Simply 30mins of info/tips about hypnosis/hypnotherapy + a wonderful guided visualisation. It's free (with option to donate an 'online coffee'  if you wish), everyone is welcome and everyone will benefit.

Either email me, kristin@kristinhayward.co.uk for the zoom links (next on April 3rd, 5pm) or book on 'Eventbrite Kristin Hayward'. I'd love you to come as you'll discover how to use/retrain your mind to feel so much better.

HypnoFertility and HypnoBirthing free zooms also available for anyone interested.

Take care, Kristin

I can’t begin to tell you how much your post (and all the replies!) have resonated with me! I am about to become a first time mum and am so desperate to find people in the area in the same boat, especially as the weather gets better and there’s more opportunities for walks and outdoor coffees I’d love to hear from you or anyone in this thread for that matter who may be up for a local walk in the Clapham/Tooting area but know that you are definitely not alone, Amanda x

very brave for expressing your feelings, you're not alone! thanks to all for the ideas shared
loved the walk buddies Ill join that
count me in for a chat or a walk or picnic in the Common
September sounds too far away!!
the sooner the better with 2 metres distance and a facemask
thanks, regards
Elena

This looks like a great recommendation thank you! I have just emailed for details of this months zoom meeting which looks really interesting!

Dear tableforone you are definitely not the only one and I think you’ve articulated beautifully something that many people feel. I have some really treasured friends but most in faraway places. We moved to London from o/s six months prior to the Pandemic and I’ve been beating myself up mentally for not having the ability to make close friends here. I saw the letter from Annabel at nappy valley describing how her social calendar is completely booked up and had this sudden hit of FOMO! I don’t have a single booking and didn’t know this was a “thing” until I read her letter and then your post. I am so clearly not in the local social loop! Anyway, your newfound plans sound like just the ticket and remember that one sound friendship can make an incredible difference. Thanks for your post. X

Its nice - not the correct word I know - to known that im not the only one who feels the same.

Having moved to Clapham after my husband and I separated, its been difficult to make new friends in the playground with an independant teenage daughter!

My existing localish friendship group of 5 has changed a bit since lockdown with one friend leaving London, another caring for elderly parents and just the stresses and strains of working from home during lockdown.

If you would like to meet for a walk in sunshine (heres hoping!) one day, just let me know.

All the best

I feel the same. I don’t have a group of friends , have bunch of individual friends but lots of them moved away last year I also get a bit jealous when I see people having enough friends to book like a whole table and stuff lol!! And enough friends to see someone every weekend (in normal times). I’m also single which I’m totally fine with but it’d be nice to have someone to hang out with lol! Anyway, I’m 30 and a local nanny haha if anyone would like to hang out sometimes, maybe a little picnic on the common sometime soon as weather is getting better, don’t hesitate to msg me!

I agree about the email this morning- It made me feel rather inadequate for a moment or two....
I guess some people are extremely social. The idea of having something on every night from know until mid July makes me feel rather panicky- lockdown or no lockdown!

Hi Tableforone....

Such is my penchant for chocolate I actually read your user name as Toblerone....never mind...

Well done you for airing your feelings! 

The replies have all had great advice in them. One thing that struck me...whilst you appreciate the ideas and offers of company you mention you´ll contact 2 of the forum members when you´re feeling better. My gut feeling is that when we  want to change something that involves us leaving our comfort zone we invariably put it off.....How about meeting both of those members together since it´ll be less pressure as 3 rather than 2 of you. And how about doing it as soon as Covid permits.  If you wait till you feel like it you might wait forever. If we wait for perfect circumstances "when we feel like it/when everyone can make it" etc we often end up missing out on the opportunity altogether. 

Just a thought....you´ve been so honest and it seems there are plenty in the same boat.

I actually thought Annabel's post this morning was a bit insensitive to people like you. Not everyone has thousands of friends on WhatsApp all arranging post-Covid get-togethers. I think it made lonely people feel even lonelier. Even I who thought I had quite a few friends have only got one post-Covid event sorted, and hearing that Annabel seems to have loads of them made me feel quite inadequate!

I'm in the same boat. Lots of friends have moved away or gone abroad. It can make you feel a bit rubbish seeing all the gangs of friends out enjoying themselves on the Common when the weather is nice, or eating in restaurants together. I'd love to meet up for a walk with anyone interested!

For women I can really recommend the Battersea WI - this is the Women’s Institute for Battersea (not the general WI - visit the specific website for the Battersea WI.com
Looking to meet more women, I have joined as they have a range of great groups that meet regularly - everyone is very friendly! There are groups for art/ photography/ walking and a film club and book club. They have virtual meet-ups at the moment and socially distanced meet-ups when this is permitted. It’s been a great way to meet some lovely women in Battersea.

You're not alone Tablefor1. There are lots of people who would like to find a way to get to know neighbours and friends locally and it's been especially hard during lockdown. Would you like to come for a walk and chat on one of the local commons when rules relax? Walk Buddies is hopefully going to be able to start from 29th March with small groups (6 max) able to meet for a stroll and chat - maybe a takeout coffee https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEIro8Krj4nFYOFVUs6kOh-bZruHV1xQ_xWfRsE4nWGz1zzQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

All ages welcome - you can register here to be kept informed when walks are starting in your area.

I'll be there!

Sarah

Thank you all so much for your lovely replies.
I know it sounds ridiculous but hadn't thought of volunteering from a sociable point of view but that is a great idea, thank you.
I think that I will start with that and then maybe join a tennis class in September when the children start their new term. Could anyone recommend something for a rusty returner? SRWML88 and Lisa31 thanks for reaching out. I will get in touch when I am feeling a bit better. Thanks again everyone for your replies. You have no idea how lovely it is to have even a virtual conversation.

Hi
Very brave of you to write this.Please do send me a pm and we can chat