Become friends with another couple
Relationships: Friends

Why do you want to do this?

Sometimes it seems like I have a ton of acquaintances, but no real friends. My wife has some girlfriends that she goes out with on occasion, but I don't have anyone in my life who fills that role. It would be especially nice if we could find another couple who are in the same stage of life as us where both me and my wife would enjoy our time with these people.

What three things will you need to make this happen?

Talk to my wife about this goal to see how she feels about it and see if there is anyone we can think of that we know already that might fit this role.

As dumb as it may sound, I think I might have to re-learn how to make friends. The true friends I've had in my life were friendships that were started when I was just a boy (when it comes naturally to people). I'm sure there are websites and books on this subject. Man, I'm a nerd!

Be bold. Engage people I don't know very well. Be cognizant of the people around me and have a genuine interest in their lives.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

I think it could be a little bit sticky because if I try to accomplish this too quickly, it will seem unnatural and awkward. But if I don't take frequent noticeable steps, it may never happen. Also, I think it might be somewhat difficult to find another couple that both me and my wife really gel with because we have somewhat different personalities and tastes.

1/10/2012 10:41:09 AM

That is a tough one.  Sometimes, you don't always gel with the spouse of your spouse's friend, so finding a "whole couple" you both gel with is hard.  My husband & I have been involved in a rowing club in the past, and one of friends from there, moved to our town when her son (who, coincidentally is my oldest son's age) started school.  They both rowed, we both rowed, our boys are the same age.  We now all have a great interest in food & wine.  It was an easy fit (though, financially we're at different levels, sometimes making things slightly uncomfortable, we all seem to have the same general mentality.  

Other friends we have a good fit with is because of our kids.  We're very involved as leaders with Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts, so that helps a great deal, and with some it's taken quite a bit of time to see what our similarities/differences are. 

Not to put pressure on the kids, but honestly, that's where most of our "couple" good friends are right now.  Check out the parents...

1/11/2012 12:28:15 AM

I brought this goal up to my wife over the weekend.  I wasn't sure what she was going to say about it, but she must've thought it seemed perfectly normal.  She didn't exactly have any thoughts on who this mystery couple might be, but then again, I didn't expect her to.

1/11/2012 9:35:13 PM

 Hmmm, you bring up good points, Zin.  Now I just need my oldest son to get interested in more things!  LOL.  Cub Scouts didn't interest him.  Most sports don't interest him.  He plays baseball, but so far, that's the only thing he's ever wanted to do.  My other three kids need to grow up faster so their daddy can have a more active social life!  LOL

1/11/2012 9:35:16 PM

 Hmmm, you bring up good points, Zin.  Now I just need my oldest son to get interested in more things!  LOL.  Cub Scouts didn't interest him.  Most sports don't interest him.  He plays baseball, but so far, that's the only thing he's ever wanted to do.  My other three kids need to grow up faster so their daddy can have a more active social life!  LOL

3/12/2012 11:38:52 PM

Let's combine goals. Find a girl you and your wife both like and introduce us. :P

I'm in the same boat, except I don't have an SO. I'm willing to be your friend those days that you're going stag and want to do something though :D

 

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