I relocated a while back to find work. I've found work, but I still don't really know the area. The nearest bar is anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours away, depending on traffic. I can't say I really have many friends, and what few I do, aren't really helping me move forward as a person (ie. my best friend is married and his wife doesn't seem to like me, another friend is a girl I used to be really into).

I'm not "there" quite yet, but I'm definitely actively working towards improving myself. But in the most practical terms, I don't really know, like, where to go or what to do to meet people.

For example, yesterday I spent Christmas alone, so I thought "Well, I should try and get out, instead of wallowing in self-pity". So I went and saw a movie. I'm glad I did, but it's not as though it was some golden opportunity to socialize, either (I think the only words I said was "Merry Christmas" when the person scanned my ticket).

I'm 30, and I've never really "gone out" much in my life. The few times I had when I was younger, I was always "tagging along". Wherever I go is going to be totally by myself, and I just can't shake the feeling that being by yourself is inherently weird, save for casual errands. It seems like a bright, neon sign that proclaims "I'm out because I'm trying to get laid", in kind of a pathetic way.

There are no parties to go to, no bars or interesting places to visit (nothing that comes to mind, anyways), it just feels a little barren. Like the only way to meet new people is through people you already know, but I don't really know anyone.

I dunno. I'd appreciate any basic, straight-forward suggestions. Like "Go here, do this". Obviously, it's still up to me to continue pushing myself and have the guts to seize opportunities when they present themselves (still working on that), but having some rough sense of direction would be great.