Hugs Samantha, I'm not much help as I'm divorced, no children, just me and my cat, but I understand the needing to be alone/I feel much better around total strangers/more relaxed/maybe because there are no expectations if people don't know us. Do you like any kind of brain games? Reason I asked is I was never a gamer, but found out after I had to leave my job, that it was a new interest, but it was trial and error finding games I liked...I was picky, easily bored! HSN.com has lots of free games, it's a good place to experiment with likes/dislikes.

Again, I don't have anyone to answer too...I stay solitary often...I have neighbors,apt complex, but do my own thing, Hi and Bye, I do not bother to try and explain anymore, no one has a clue except those on this site. In time I found new interests. I hope your boyfriend is understanding. I know how easy it is to be hard on our self...I have done that too often...it's a big life adjustment to deal with this brain injury thing...including ptsd....one day at a time....try new things a little at a time....we're here for you with support! Blessings and Hope!

Hi Samantha, I"m sorry you're feeling so isolated . A new move is hard on anyone , especially if we have high hopes that this move will somehow make things better. I remember my friend Dave who moved to a different city. When he visited here, friends asked him about the move, and he said " S S D S". He was saying "Same Stuff, Different Scenery". That can really be true. You're dealing with the same head injury and all that entails, you're just in a new place to do it.

I am isolated during the week because all my friends work, and even my husband , when he is home, is doing other things and doesn't always have time to talk. There is a small thrift shop around the corner from my house that is open Wed through Fri. On Wed morning there is always a group of us waiting outside for it to open . We joke that it's been closed for 5 days, "So who knows what treasures there might be". I rarely get anything there- I go just for the social aspect. When my daughter was pregnant ( and using a midwife ) , there was a lady there that had had 7 kids with a midwife, so I always had questions for her. It's just somewhere to go where I will see others and know i"m not alone.

I"m also involved in a church , which helps. This Saturday is "craft day " , the once a month event where anywhere from 2 to 15 women get together to work on whatever and talk. ( It will be nice this weekend esp , since my birthday is on Friday, but family is away , so I"m alone.).

I know it can be hard to get to know new people, As far as your new neighbors are concerned, would you feel comfortable asking the mom to "come to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and get away from the kids"? Just a simple contact like that might start something. Is there any place in the new city you could volunteer a couple of hours a week at? That's a great way to meet new people that have the same interests as you. ( Or you might find a new interest ).

I just got a card from a friend at church who said "Thank you for all the things you do behind the scenes".. I"m not talkative enough to take on some leadership role, but I am involved in activities, even if it's washing the dishes after our Sunday School class cooks supper for the youth group.

Cheesecake's right in taking things slowly. I think once you get your foot in a door, be it with your neighbors , volunteering, or something, you'll feel better about yourself and other things will fall into place. Let us know how things go , and if we can help, we're here. - Holly

Thrift stores..that's a good one....you never know what you will find. I use to go to one near me years ago, and I seemed to always gravitate to the pictures/paintings....and my apt now looks like an art gallery!! Sometimes finding something you like...like artwork...can lead to conversations with people...vintage clothing/crafts/furniture/antiques....it could be anything really once you start to explore. Best of Luck and give yourself time...I know how hard this is..keep venting!