Divorce can be a harrowing and isolating experience. During the divorce process, you can rely on your Toronto divorce lawyer to focus on the legal nuances of your case. This will help to provide you with more time to focus on you and making a fresh start for yourself.
Part of this new beginning starts with new friends. Although there is a lot to be said about old friends and people with whom you have a shared history, there is also a tremendous advantage to making new friends, with whom you can make new memories.
But where and how does a full-grown adult make new friends and meet new people?
1. Go to the Gym
Toronto divorce lawyers are always concerned with their clients’ well being. Working out has a number of positive benefits for your physical and emotional health. In addition, working out with a buddy makes the discipline and hard work seem a little less daunting. Remember, you and every person at the gym already have something in common; you are all committed to your health and fitness. Next time you put your running shoes on; try attending one of the gym’s group classes, asking a peer for tips in the weight room, or sitting down on the mats and starting a casual conversation.
2. Join a Team, Group or League
Maybe working out is not your favourite activity. Then ask yourself, what is? What makes you happy? Whatever the answer is, do it. Better yet, do it with others who also share the same interest. Join a women’s or men’s adult sports league, a knitting group, scrabble club, bridge club, long distance running team, book club, or a group of Italian movie fanatics. Finding like-minded people who share a passion of yours creates an instant connection and potential friendships.
3. Take Some Tips from Your Kids
Kids seem to make friends effortlessly. It is likely because children are fearless, they are not afraid to ask, “Do you want to be my friend?”
Meeting new people can happen anywhere: the elevator, the grocery store, the line-up at the flower shop, in the waiting room of a car dealership, walking your dog, picking up the mail, picking up your dry-cleaning, sitting in the park, around the water cooler, at your child’s science fair, and the list goes on. Take a tip from your kids; friends are fun, not frightening. Take every opportunity to strike up a casual conversation with whoever is around. You may not walk away with a new confidante, but you will walk away with a little more confidence.
4. Hair Salon, Nail Salon, or Barbershop
Places of indulgence and beauty are non-threatening and relaxed locations where casual conversations are typical. Whether you’re speaking to your hairdresser, nail artist, barber, or a fellow client sitting nearby, there is always someone with whom to talk.
5. A Fun Class
You may remember your school days as being a time filled with friends and laughter. So why not try making the time to take a simple, but fun class in your community. For example, register for a wine-tasting seminar, a cooking-class at William Sonoma or your local supermarket, a trapeze class for the adventurous at heart, or a living art painting session. Most people who attend these classes do not necessarily go on to become the next great master of the class’ genre, but to meet people with common interests, like you. Your Toronto divorce lawyer may be able to recommend popular classes in the city.
6. Single Parent Group
All divorces are different, but if your divorce has left you in the new and foreign category of being a single parent, you are not alone. Every city has single parent support groups, usually divided into “single mommies and single daddies.” Find your local chapter and meet other women or men who are going through similar experiences. These groups are created with the intention of offering support and friendship. They are safe spaces to meet and interact with new people post-divorce. Your Toronto divorce lawyer may be able to provide you with a list of reputable Single Parent Support Groups.
7. Volunteer
Making new friends is a personal endeavour, which you can engage in while helping others. If altruism is an ambition close to your heart, reconnect with your favourite charity or find a cause in which you have always been interested. There are a number of ways to contribute your time, effort and expertise. Volunteering often occurs in “teams.” Becoming part of a team, with a noble goal, is an easy opening to making new connections outside of the charity.
Your Toronto divorce lawyer will likely be in contact with a number of charities through his or her law firm. Feel free to ask for suggestions.
8. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Visiting a museum or art gallery does not have the same “couple connotation” as some other activities, such as going to a romantic restaurant. Many people attend these venues alone. While you wander the halls of the Royal Ontario Museum or the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, consider asking the opinion of the person beside you about the piece you are both viewing, or inquire about his or her favourite exhibit. Museums and art galleries are large, public places that are chock full of conversation starters.
