social

Friend Matching Websites?

August 26, 2010

Two female friends looking at cell phones together.Does anyone know of any free, reliable, online friend matching sites? I'm happily married; but would just like to make more friends which has been hard, since I retired, due to being in a basically rural area. The economy hasn't helped either. If you're not into political stuff, religious stuff, kids/grandkids, or rockclimbing, this area doesn't offer much.

Advertisement

I've been told to try Craigslist, but it has a bad reputation in this area; 2 different people I know have met people on CL that turned out bad, theft and other bad stuff. And I heard that Match.com now has a "Platonic Friends" only section, but they're pretty expensive, aren't they?

I am involved in a book club and volunteer work, both of which I enjoy, but neither has led to making friends, just acquaintances only.

By Lynn Marler from Chico, CA

Answers

August 26, 20100 found this helpful

Not sure.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
August 26, 20100 found this helpful

I would suggest Facebook. It is free. The security has been tightened, just check internet sites for suggestions on privacy settings. You use searches to find others with interests similar to yours and "friend" them. Actual chatting and friendships can develop through carefully developing contacts in this manner.

Advertisement

The games included in Facebook heavily encourage friending strangers, but the development of those contacts into "friends" would take more efforts.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 109 Feedbacks
August 26, 20100 found this helpful

What about a local community center? And though it may not be appealing at first you may check out some of the nursing homes in the area. There are some people who make friends really easy. :) I think you said you tried a church. You could try PlentyofFish.com which is free. Not sure how well it works as a social gathering site.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
August 27, 20100 found this helpful

If it is still out there, Friendfinder used to be a way to meet people platonically. Eons is also another one for over 50 people and they have local groups you can join.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
August 27, 20100 found this helpful

Why not here! I, so far, have made friends with one, and we chat quite often. I'm into weddings and she is a florist, great combination.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
August 27, 20100 found this helpful

I have the same problem. I am married, semi-retired, volunteer with an avian rescue group, love animals, love to shop at yard sales and thrift shops, and love to try to save money, etc.; but do not meet people to make friends with. I am not looking for male friendship, (hubby wouldn't like that at all, LOL.) But I do get lonely for someone to talk to, with similar interests.

Advertisement

I would be glad for others in this group to contact me if they were interested in becoming friends. I would let the friendship take its course, not being clingy, or over-friendly. I would welcome anyone to send me a private message, and see where it goes from there. And it does not only have to be someone from just the United States.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Diamond Feedback Medal for All Time! 1,394 Feedbacks
August 28, 20100 found this helpful

I'm with Kozy, for one. While I haven't gained any face-to-face friends, that's entirely my fault. (I'm pretty shy and don't reach out.) Just remember to set your privacy settings and screen friend requests.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 337 Feedbacks
August 29, 20100 found this helpful

I think you could try Facebook, although usually that is for people you already know. I have connected with distant relatives and old school friends on it. I also have a couple of online friends through there that are into the same interests that I have.

Advertisement

I think you could try Plenty of fish. I use that as a dating site, but I haven't had any trouble with scams or anything, and I know that in larger cities, there are face to face meetings set up for groups. You could check it out; it is all free of charge.

Lavalife had a free site for seniors to network. I forget what it was called, and it was not just for senior dating, but for networking and friendship. I don't know if it is still in operation.

Some magazines have chat lines/ networking sites. I have never tried these, but you could Google and see what you come up.

As far as face to face friend groups, I have a circle of friends in the exercise group that I go to. We exercise 3 times a week, and then have coffee after. Certainly, that doesn't happen all over, the aquasize gals in the summer don't do that, but you could look into it.

Advertisement

And The Red Hats are a group that has as its sole purpose, friendship and fun. They do no good works and do no fund raising. See if you have a group in your area. My town has a population of 5000, and we have 2 Red Hat groups, so ask around. You can also do a search for them online to see if you have any groups in your area.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
August 30, 20100 found this helpful

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I actually am already a member of Eons but they have no local groups in my area and the friend requests I've made to the other Eons members in this area have been ignored; so, oh well. I also checked into PlentyofFish, Lavalife, and Friendfinder and none of them seem to be for friends but rather for singles wanting to date only. A few years back, I tried for a period of about 4 years to join one of the Red Hat Society groups in this area but what a disappointment that turned out to be. I guess it's a combination of stuff like the fact that the RHS is losing money, being sued, lack of organization and I also think it's one of those "human nature" things: some people that are already in a group wanting to treat it (and keep it!) as a little exclusive club just for them and their already-existing friends, don't feel like they need new ones, I guess.

Advertisement

(And in case you were wondering: it's not just me. I thought that for a while! :-D I checked on Eons, the social networking site mentioned above, and several gals from all over the U.S. said they've been having the same problems trying to join the RHS.) Too bad, it was a good idea in the beginning but they incorporated and just grew too big for their britches, I guess. But thanks again, everybody, for your suggestions! :-)

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
October 24, 20120 found this helpful

I'm sorry for the late answer, but it's a good one - you must try FriendMatch! It is exactly what you are describing that you are looking for! It is not dating at all, just friends. Website: www.friendmatch.org
Only downside is that since it's still fairly new not every region is well represented yet, but I think that in time this will really catch on!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
June 26, 20160 found this helpful

Hi I am Rebecca and I am from England, at 59 years. old I find myself in your position, looking for a friend and finding it difficult due to relocating. If you want to get in touch my email address is Becka351 at hotmail.com

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question
In This Page
Categories
Better Living FriendshipJune 24, 2016
Pages
More
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2023-10-04 22:09:27 in 5 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2023 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Friend-Matching-Websites.html