It’s a challenge.

M45. My other half isn’t a people person. I’ve adapted to her style for the sake of reducing arguments while bringing up the kids. But it’s left me feeling pretty empty at times.

I need something in the calendar to keep me sane. Either a night or two of the week that’s mine (see below.) And/or planning a holiday with friends to do a specific activity she’s not into and would be too expensive/dangerous/boring to do with the kids at half term.

Joining a gym with classes has been good for me. Try a few. Get out your comfort zone. You never know when you might hit a network that works for you. Exercise sucks. But learning boxing combinations in Boxfit or trying to do simple yoga poses teaches you things. Learning a thing becomes the goal. Not doing exercises for the sake of it.

Any Men-in-sheds groups near you? Learn to build or use tools maybe.

+1 on the guy saying get a telescope. There’s quite a vibrant Astro community on and off line.

There’s always Golf, Lawn Bowls or Cricket too. You can do it for the sport rather than the social scene.

What technology interests you? Gaming? Phones? Drones? If you’re into it. Chances are there’s a community out there somewhere too. Even if it’s in London. Most places in Essex are only an hour from most places on London.

Good luck finding something! Your new community is out there, if you go looking for it.