It's a slow process but it does happen to lots of people, not by choice but by simply being a victim of circumstance.The majority of lone-parents receive income support which offers, even after careful budgeting, little if any money to spend on themselves.

First, They reduce their nights out, but many people soon stop going out altogether.

Second, Our friends seem to not come round as often as they used to, especially if they are working.

Third, You may not be buying yourself as many nice new clothes as you would perhaps like, leading towards a feeling that you're not quite looking your best.

All of these things do have a knock on effect and pretty soon you don't mind not looking your best, since you no longer think about going out, and even if you would quite like to go out, who would you go with?

Then without you even realising it, your social skills start to get rusty, and adult conversation become a bit of a novelty rather than an every day occurrence.

These things do happen but not overnight, which gives you the time to act now and stop the rot, but unless you keep a check on things it will happen.

Force yourself to have a night out with adults as often as possible, even if it's only a few drinks at your local pub every two weeks. If you can't find a friend to go with join a club to do line or ball room dancing.

Try to get socially active as much as you possibly can.

If you can't face a social gathering your social skills are in desperate need of attention,

Start by (for example) taking the kids to the park or maybe organise a picnic, then invite your child to invite a few friends, then maybe in time invite a friends mum.

Then maybe arrange some coffee mornings or a night out.

I know that these things are easier said than done, but you have to start somewhere, and this is at least a start.

The point here is to get out of the house as often as you can; only then will you start to make new friends.

After all, who are you likely to meet in your sitting room?

www.lone-parents.org.uk

Fatherhood Foundation
PO Box 542
UNANDERRA NSW 2526

Ph: 02 4272 6677
Fax: 02 4272 6680

Email: info@fatherhood.org.au

Web: www.fatherhood.org.au

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