Toastmasters is another great way to meet people, and there are clubs almost everywhere. The main focus is on developing communication and leadership skills, especially public speaking, but the groups are very supportive and you would by no means be the only person there shy about groups. Most clubs are open for you to visit for free, and membership is quite affordable. Check for a club near you at www.toastmasters.org
Olives, I know how it feels to be a new person in a new town; a few years ago my wife and I decided to pull up roots and relocate when we retired.
So off we went, leaving 30 years of friends and familiar places…so what to do?
Here is how I went about it…since most of my former friends were associated with work, volunteering presented the same sort of introduction to new folks who are doing the same things…just like work. So some of my new friends came that way.
I also decided to stop walking/hiking alone, and driving home alone. So I began to walk in the local shopping center, and began saying “hi” to other walkers. From this, I progressed to having coffee with those walkers who relaxed at the local coffeterium after walking. And so it progresses…chats about whatever, and helping each other with gardening or the best termite protection or xxxxx…the things that build and fill in relationships.
My wife has met folks in her exercise classes…oddly enough one would think that she would be the social one as she is the extrovert of the two of us…but apparently my teen history of being forced to approach girls has finally paid off with a willingness to approach people (even though I may still be rejected)
So arm yourself with a plan to meet new folks, and go out and listen to what they have to say. There are so many neat folks out there…and they want friends too.