If you find folks to gather with from Daily Strength that is great. Otherwise you can create a MeetUp group or you can organize a group through Craigslist for Toronto. Good luck. I think this is a good way for you to meet new friends.

We all need people.

Have you tried anything like that before? I'm not really looking for a big group or anything but just a few good friends! I think it will be a challenge but who knows. It's hard to meet a significant other these days and even good friends!

After 5 years, I find that it's best to start by trusting yourself, and things flow from there. Have you checked out Meetup? Or organizing dinners with neighbors?

This is definitely something that's hard about breakups. So often you lose friends in the process, which is like double loss. However, making new friends and rebuilding your life can be very healing!

I joined a book club and running group to meet new people. Other ideas are using MeetUp (my running club is through there, great people,) joining a church, volunteering, or taking a class.

I hope you find a wonderful new community!

I guess I can try meetup, I have always struggled with this and it seems like I have never had good friends. Whenever I make the effort it just seems like it goes nowhere, like people gravitate away from me or it never goes anywhere, whether that's dating or making friends! It's so weird like there's something wrong with me. The more I try the more it doesn't it doesn't work out...I can't explain it. I thought I found my best friend in my ex, i never thought she would cut me off like this and be so cold and heartless, but that's how people are these days. Life is short, I can't believe after all the things going on in the world, people aren't more sympathetic and compassionate. I could never ignore anyone or cut someone off especially if all they wanted was a friendship or be on good terms, check up on you and just be there for you.
Hopefully I find good people out there eventually. I can tell there are some good people on this website, it's too bad we are all in different parts of the world or we could build real friendships.

here's a link to a social group in Toronto http://www.meetup.com/TorontoSocialGroup/?https=off

There are others that are closer to the suburbs too if that's where you are, just start searching the meetup options, look for groups that are fairly active in the past as well as having upcoming meetups

Hey Torontor - I totally identify with where you are coming from as far as having difficulty making lasting friendships. It seems that everybody is so into their own thing they don't have the energy to work on a good friendship.

I too lost my best friend recently when I had to move back to take care of my elderly parents. It was the best thing for me to do for them and myself, but my friend was so upset about it he cut me off. It has been so painful especially after I thought we were so close. I don't know what the circumstances have been for you, but everyone has friends that come and go. My parents have friendships that go back to high school - 60 years ago. It is amazing, but not realistic in these times. The world is a different place than it used to be, and everything seems disposable, unfortunately. Too many choices!

People come into our lives for different reasons. Not everyone stays in our life. We need to accept that and enjoy the time we have with them, and look at the things that person has taught us. It will help to look at friendships this way.

Stay close to those of us on DS. They will help fill the emptiness,
and will give you some of the connection you need until you are able to make some other friends.

Making friends it's difficult these days because people don't openly trust others and b/c most people are in their own little world - more connected with technology than with humans. I would say meetup is a good source or maybe a local church. I can relate. Good luck.

I totally agree with everyone on this forum. I am 39 and finding it is difficult to meet people and not on an emotional level....just making friends. I am 3 months out of my stbxw leaving me.

I am finding the weekends to toughest to cope with right now. I too also wish we were close in location to have that human to human contact and support.

I am in Vancouver and find it hard to meet people due to the fact I find they feel there is an ulterior motive especially being a guy. Just to meet people to talk with, hang out for dinner or watch a movie.

...also, just having support in the cyber way with someone to text with or whatsapp would be nice. I find connecting with people who have gone through or going through the same situation helps much more

Meetups are a great and safe way to meet people. Not sure if there are any in your area, but like someone said, you could start your own. I have made a lot of new friends in the Meetup I belong too. It's nice because you can just pick and choose which activity you want to attend and there are NO strings attached.

I also have friends at my church and I have great co-workers that I could do things with if I wanted to.

If you have time, volunteering at shelters, or wherever would be a great way to fill some of your lonely time.

Maybe try to befriend people at work or at school if you are in one or can get in one. That way you have similar interests. Thats key. I was married to someone who had totally different interests than me. She liked to have these empty chats... Just bla bla bla... she sounded to phoney. It got on my nerves... eventually she stopped doing this with me but sure carried on with others... she made a lot of friends but most of the people i talk to now... well they say she was an air head and manipulator as well as a phoney and it made them feel embarassed and uncomfortable to be around her. Most of the people i hang around with are professionals and very smart.

Torontor,
Think also about what hobbies you like as a mechanism for meeting new people. For instance, starting a book club, a bowling group, a hiking group, a dog walking group, a craft group. Or joining a group that has already formed.

This is not only a good way to meet people, but you can have fun doing the things you like to do.

I am lonely often during my recent separation from my husband. If it weren't for my dogs I would be super lonely.

Please keep us posted on what you do. We are all cheering for you and know how it feels to be sad and missing companionship.

Heartspain, if you want we can text or chat on whatsapp or facebook.

to anyone that wants to do that, feel free to send me a message on here and we can exchange info and go for there, it doesn't hurt to talk online either and you never know when we will cross paths etc.

as for the suggestions on joining those hobby groups, i know those are good ideas, but for some reason I just can't figure out what I enjoy most and i've never had a big passion for any of them. I will have to try to work on that and just try to enjoy myself in some way. It's tough because all I think about is the life I wanted with my ex and anytime I do anything I think of her and wish we could be going bowling or do all the things that life has to offer, it sucks that I will never get the chance anymore.

I suggest you contact Catholic family services Toronto and see if they are still doing the 12 week breakups and divorce course by Ian Singer