Friday, July 6, 2012

"The Adult Vortex"

So, where do adults go to meet other adults?  What I mean is, if I want to diversify my group of friends, where do I find people who I'd actually want to be friends with?  I currently work at a school where the majority of the staff is much older than I am.  There are maybe 2 other staff members under the age of 35.  I am not currently involved in a small group/young adults group at church, because the churches I've been attending over the last two years have not had these sorts of groups.  For the summer I'm working with more people my age-ish, but there are still quite a few that are a good chunk younger than I am, and only one or two that are about my age.  So...where do I meet people?

My mom calls this the "adult vortex".  m-w.com says:
"Definition of VORTEX
1
: something that resembles a whirlpool vortex of battle — Time>
2
a : a mass of fluid (as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; especially : whirlpool, eddy b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity"
 
I'm not sure if that definition actually relates, but that's ok.  I think her point is that I am not alone in this issue.  So, anyone out there have any suggestions?  I hate being so far away from my good friends in California and having so few friends here in Oregon.  I feel like my social life is lacking, and I am not motivated to get out and do things like I might be in California.

6 comments:

  1. :( I don't know! I only hang out with people from church and honestly it's a pretty big age gap for me. All the girls in our YA group are 18 & 19 and then there's me. Even when we hang out in a big group, I still usually the oldest (by a few years too). And at the church, a lot of women are much older than me. It's like there's this weird black hole around me. I don't mind it most of the time, but sometimes I wish I didn't feel like an outcast so much. Can you just move back to socal? kthanks.

    I know, that won't happen. I can wish though, can't I? Where DO people meet people? I feel like I've had the same friends my entire life. If I EVER move away, I will be in for a huge shock.

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  2. Leaving college and entering into the "adult world" is horrible. Even now as I'm in grad school it's hard to find friends my age, because I'm assistant-conducting the undergrads and they're so much younger than I. I agree with Amy, just move back to Cali! :)

    But maybe there's a church that you could attend mid-week that has a young-adults group? I met Peter on eHarmony. I joined just to meet people and make friends because I was so lonely. I didn't expect to get a future-husband out of it (not engaged yet but soon).

    Maybe there is a club you could join? Like crafting or salsa dancing or something random like that? I'll think about it more and let you know if I come up with any amazing ideas. lol

    Julie

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  3. Amy-You're funny! I can't move back, and you know it! =p I remember thinking that the age gap in YA has spread further and further apart...
    Julie-I'm on eHarmony! So far, I haven't met my "Peter" or whatever his name might be...but I like that it's something rather than nothing! I haven't seen any clubs in the area, but maybe I'm just not looking in the right places...

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  4. Erin, what city are you in right now? Are you into creative/artsy types of things? Like diy projects? I remember we always went pottery painting together! I continued that tradition with one of my friends in San Jose! :) I know how horrible it is to live somewhere and feel like you have no friends, my first year in SJ was pretty bad. I broke up with Dustin, I had a few friends but no one very close, it was tough so I totally know what you're going through and I reeeeally want to help! I wish we lived closer! I miss you!

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  5. Julie, I do like craftsy things. There aren't many pottery places around here, and the ones that are here are pretty expensive! I wish we lived closer, too! I miss you, but it's nice to be able to read your blog!

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  6. Oops. Forgot to respond about what city I'm in. I live in Oregon City, which is just outside Portland. =)

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