Hobbies and Interests
A divorce is a time of big changes, and most people have a desire to branch out and try new things during this life transition. Besides being a tool for personal growth, developing new interests is also a very good way to meet new people, both friends and potential dates. Here are some suggestions on hobbies and activities that you might consider, if you haven't before.
Physical Activity
- Join a community sports team-play softball, basketful, soccer.
- Take tennis lessons or learn to play golf.
- Join a dancing class or club. It's not necessary to have a partner, and there are classes out there for any kind of dance you like.
- Join your local gym or YMCA.
- Take part in a hiking or nature club.
- Take up power-walking or running. Find an exercise buddy.
The Outdoors
- Gather some friends for a camping trip.
- Go canoeing, rafting, or floating.
- Go fishing.
- Take up an adventure sport such as climbing, spelunking (cave exploration,) or rappelling. Most cities have a climbing gym where you can meet people with similar interests.
Home and Garden
- Paint your home, inside or out.
- Re-decorate to suit your new self and new lifestyle.
- Plant a vegetable or flower garden. Contact your local horticulture society or botanical gardens for information on community classes for gardeners.
Crafts/Sewing
- Learn to make your own clothes.
- Join a quilting or sewing club.
- Build model airplanes or put together a train set.
- Check out a local hobby shop and take inventory of the hundreds of possible hobbies. Decide on one that appeals to you and start small with one kit or one manageable project.
Art/Design
- Take up painting or drawing.
Continuing Education
- Take classes at the local community college-learn a new language, business or computer skill. Get to class early so you can get to know your classmates and possibly develop friendships.
- Buy a new computer and take a class to learn how to use it.
- Join a book club or writer's club.
- Join your local Toastmasters and improve your public speaking skills.
Church/Community Involvement
- Volunteer in your community.
- Join a local political group and take part in campaigns.
- Get involved in your church. Most churches sponsor social activities, and many have events just for singles.
Travel
- Explore some places you have never been. Contact your travel agent about cruises and other packages specifically for singles.
- Or, shop the internet for low-cost packages
Cooking
- Take a cooking class.
- Learn how to bake.
Dating/Relationships
- Consider enrolling in a dating service. Be sure to shop around for a good price, and make sure you've chosen a reputable service.
- Place a personal ad-taking care to be cautious and aware of safety. Meet in a public place, or double date with someone you know and trust-The old saying, "there's safety in numbers," definitely applies here. Don't give out your home phone number, last name, or address until you know the person very well.
- Try meeting someone on the internet. There are now many reputable services now on-line, and some happily married couples have met over the net. Again, use caution when meeting strangers.
- Check out local singles groups such as Parents without Partners.
- Ask a friend to fix you up with an eligible single.