I’m not sure where you are in MD but the DC area is weird. I grew up here, just moved back from 3 years of living on the Outer Banks, which was weird too but in a different way.(I made some GREAT friends there but that’s mostly because we were the only ones in our age group living there year round.) Almost everyone here is a transplant. Here to work for the current administration and then they leave. It’s hard to break in since almost everyone is also a major workaholic so “friends” are people that you get along with at work.

To be honest, Starbucks is possibly your best bet. Each store has it’s regulars and micro-community. I’ve worked there many times for the insurance -OH! Genreality is who linked to you guys- and simple human interaction. (I’ve been a dog behaviorist for 12 years specializing in working with aggressive dogs. I’ve never had to use it but having health insurance as back up is a nice bennie.) I’ve seen great friendships bloom there. You get to know the baristas and all of their dramas, the cops stop by for their freebies, teachers, lawyers, Supreme Court Justices, Redskin’s Players-who are shockingly HUGE-Congresspeople and Senators and all of their lackeys, CIA, FBI, and the rest of the acronyms. It’s fascinating once you pick a store to hang out in. After 1 week you’ll know someone and while they might not be The One, they will lead you to others. My pick up line is commenting on the book their reading and giving suggestions on similar reads. That’s usually all it takes to open the dialogue and shameless self promoting is totally acceptable here so feel free to suggest some of your own.

If you’re in Baltimore, pick a bar to hang out in. I lived there for a while too. Wait until the Orioles start playing and then wear a non-Orioles baseball cap, go in and have a beer during a game and you’ll meet Everyone in there. But pick your team carefully because it’s going to be your nickname until the day you die.

I’ve heard Great things about the MDRWA group, I haven’t joined it but I hear great things about it. Hmmm, volunteering at the Smithsonian is like trying to get into Grad school, there’s usually a 3 or 4 year waiting list. Starting a teen writing group at your local library will get you going, you can’t drink wine with them but they are always entertaining and they do have parents. Fund Raising and Volunteering can be a competition sport in this area and it will suck all of your time away. Most of the volunteers are scary fierce and Intense. But then again Everything is Intense here. Heck, I’d be your friend but I’d just pepper you with questions. But, basically, you just need to pick a place to hang out in and then look up occasionally and make eye contact.

Good Luck!

Wags- Julia and Corduroy

Peace and love,
Paula R.

6 months in this city and I have 1 new friend who I rarely see.
And 1 old friend, who lives here half the time and I see even less.

I don’t even know how to be friendly any more.

Strange that I just read a similar letter in “Annie’s Mailbox” to yours. Someone answered that she had used meetup.com, a website that gives one all the different groups located in one’s area. I can’t recommend the site, as I haven’t delved into it, but, wanted to pass it on.

Patricia

How about belly dancing? Really! http://bodyandsoulhealingarts.com/ She teaching a class at a local (Darnestown) yoga studio. http://www.followyourheartyoga.com/

Whole Foods has cooking classes. Some craft stores have demos or classes. Look for groups with a common interest.

I need new friends, too. I’m starting to make a few through my son’s school but, I would like some non-kid-related ones, too.