Honestly struggling to make friends here as a massive introvert

Posted by hanonymous_8v8@reddit | miltonkeynes | View on Reddit | 17 comments

I have been in Uk since 3 years now for work, but if I'm being honest, it's been a really lonely experience so far. My social anxiety makes the thought of just

"going to a pub" feel completely impossible, and I often end up staying home because the city feels so big and overwhelming when you're navigating it alone. I'm 34M and desperate to find my people, maybe through something low-key. Does anyone know of any truly gentle, low-pressure spaces where it's okay to be the quiet person while you find your footing? I'm just really tired of feeling like I'm watching the city happen from the outside and would love some help.

About me: I like physical activities like hiking, racquet sports even though haven't played in a while for reasons listed above. I workout regularly. Used to enjoy gaming on consoles/PC but I just play on my phone. Open to exploring other hobbies too.

[-]

qstsc@reddit

I met quite a lot of people through kickboxing. All ages and abilities welcome, check Temple Martial Arts Milton Keynes

jaaanwar@reddit

Hey

I am in a similar situation too, I am based in London though.

Although my reasons are a little different. I am super lazy and don't have the ability to initiate plans or make conversations with strangers.

Although, Badminton social clubs have helped me meet a lot of different people with similar interests. A quick search shows there are a good number of such clubs in Milton Keynes too. Might be a start. I find meeting people in a sports club has been super low pressure and very helpful.

Hope it helps https://clubmk.org/

TheFirstWarbird@reddit

Have you thought about trying social dancing? Evolve West Coast Swing have a free west coast swing taster on this Tuesday 14th April, at the Chrysalis Theatre at 7.30pm. Really fun group and you’ll meet a lot of people!

sb_ryan@reddit

39F here and my friends are legitimately my 5 year old and my husband! We are both huge introverts and the most interaction I have is walking the doggo and heading to the allotment. We do go to a lot of the festival style events when we can as our kid is the most social creature :D

ParticularNo3104@reddit

Mate, let’s grab a pint. I’ve got a lovely bunch to intro to you who all started off in your position after we hang

Federal_Sun_2749@reddit

I’d echo something like Redway Runners or Parks Trust activities. Do you cycle?

Little_st4r@reddit

Do you like running? Redway runners are a great way to meet people and they often do social runs to the pub etc. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. They do a beginners group in case you're new to running too and its really cheap (like under £10 a year... yes you read that correctly)

Technical-Amount-278@reddit

Please look for any hiking, racquet sports, or gaming groups and clubs in Milton Keynes and join. I don't think there'd be too many, but I've seen how fast one can get companionship once you're part of some group, and how there are always hidden socials, like drinks after the hike.

Building_Glad@reddit

Im in exact situation came to Mk when i was 30 and now 34 ; Ive not made a single new friend partly due to my laziness and partly my introverted nature.

i’ve grown to live with it and not lonely . i’m always up for a cycling around the millennium walk but too much pressure to join a formal club .

have been a regular to gym for 2yrs but made no nee friends except for my trainers (who aren’t really friends)

ComradeStrong@reddit

No Strings sessions every week at the NBC for some casual badminton could be a decend place to start?

Nomadderwhat@reddit

Wouldn't the shuttlecock just go through the racket if it didnt have strings?

GreenAmigo@reddit

Men in shed open day in may

Jolly-Ad-8088@reddit

Volunteering, joining a walking or running club. I have a friend who used to be like this (from HK) - he was lonely, joined a running club (he’d never run before) and now, five years later, runs dozens of marathons a year and travels the world with friends.

i-am-modo@reddit

I'm always up for hiking.

MartinStan7997@reddit

Always recommend the climbing gym. Very inclusive and a nice low pressure atmosphere. You can go on your own or with a group. There's beginners sessions as well. We have two in MK, both run by the same company. Let me know if you want someone to go with. I'm 33M and also finding it difficult to make friends here in MK.

https://www.bigrockclimbing.com/

Lady_of_Lomond@reddit

I don't know whether any of the Parks Trust hiking activities might suit you? https://www.theparkstrust.com/activities/walking-clubs/