Every Monday at 7 a.m., my friend Todd meets with a mens group at a grocery store cafe.
The group was formed in 2018 by the pastor of Todds church in Burlington, Washington church.
When the pastor moved to another town, Todd, 58, and his three comrades continued to meet.
After some icebreaking chit-chat, each man talks for 20 minutes about their lives.
For Todd, whos dealing with a divorce, the group is a godsend.
We encourage each other and were there for each other, he said.
One guy lost his mother a year ago.
Another has a challenging relationship with one of his kids.
Its so good to not feel alone.
Many older men crave close friendships but struggle to find them.
Fifteen percent had no close friends at all.
If this sounds familiar if you feel like Spock without a Kirk or McCoy dont worry.
Its not too late.
If you have feedback or a story idea then pleasecontact us here.
Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.
Heres how to make them:
Focus on your interests
You probably know ways to meet guys.
You could volunteer or join a club or a sports league.
Whatever you choose, focus on your passions.
Dont join a wine club to meet people; join it because you love wine.
Apps such as Meetup, Eventbrite, OpenSports, and Facebook can help you find and start groups.
Or, I know you love IPAswant to have a beer at that new brewery?
Stay positive
Making new friends is like hitting a baseball, Waldinger believes.
Even an awesome hitter only bats around .300.
You may reach out to somebody and they dont answer or theyre lukewarm, he said.
But if you try a few times, with a few different people, youll have success.
Also, be patient.
Negotiate times and suggest alternative activities
