Where do I start???

So, 5 years since ex left, 4 years of hell..
Think it''s time to start getting my life back on track and be happy again.

Ex left woman he left me for (and subsequently married) in Feb this year. Since then it''s been turmoil again with him saying he wants to get back together, but not actually showing me......

So, I feel the New Year should be about me, and making me happy.

But, I have no self confidence any more, am 52 so no spring chicken, and the thought of dating sites just freakes me out! (and can''t afford them now as single parent)

Would like to join maybe a social group but panick sets in when I think of going anywhere on my own!

Help!.....

Do you have a hobby or interest? Or something you would like to at an evening class or something?

Rather than look for dates just join a club that interests you be it running, knitting whatever.

In my local area they do meet up sessions on a regular basis at a coffee shop, it''s not for dating just for friendship, perhaps there is something similar near you. I''ve joined a pen pal site which has given me some new people to talk to. I''m a couple of years older than you and know how you feel. If there is a group your interested in why not contact the organiser and explain you''d like to go and usually someone will be looking out to welcome you. If you try it and don''t like it you can try something else.
Good luck

Hi Perin. Similar age and know how difficult it can be to build new social life. I had also lost all my confidence. Have joined meet up groups and walking groups and good to have option of socialising when you feel you want to. Sometimes surprise myself remembering how lost I felt going to first meet up group and whilst there have been times I have not felt I have fitted in with groups I know I have become so much braver and thicker skinned. My attitude now is that I do not really care what people think of me or whether or not they like me. I just want to make the best I can of my life as it is now. There are a lot of people out there in our age group who are in a similar position. Life is too short.

Hello Perin123, this may sound strange but I have discovered a way to calm my self down and lose myself,its colouring. My son got me into his adult version of being a kid again. You can get them at any book store.The book is put out by Barrons. This may help more than you know. I love it. Give it a try,and let me know if it works for you too.

Join the Ramblers, its unofficially one of the best groups to join if you want to meet someone!

I''ve looked at walking groups, hope that''s what you mean by "ramblers" and not some kind of pseudonym!!!!!

Will look into other social groups, someone mentioned "Spice" ?

Anyone been to their meet ups?

Thanks for suggeztions xxxx