Making Friends

When we first moved to Fort Sill, I was excited for a new adventure. After about two weeks of sitting at home (we only had one car then) I became lonely. Now, the month we lived here with only one vehicle was a bit of an exception, because I was really limited in meeting up with people. Our house was still being organized and unpacked so I didn't want to invite people over- plus it's a bit strange meeting new people in your house.

So, once we got our second car I was set on making some new friends and getting out of my rut. Yes, spending every day with Jackson was amazing and wonderful as always, but I wanted play dates for both his sake and mine.

This is our first Army installation so I wasn't sure how to go about making friends. Where did I go first? Facebook, of course! Search "Fort Sill Army Wives" "Fort Sill Play groups" "Fort Sill Bible Study" etc. etc. I am so thankful for social media! As a more naturally introverted, shy person I don't know how I would have done meeting people at the "Officer's Wives Club" or just going to the park/library and striking up conversation with random people around me.

I was able to find a Bible study that happened to be at the church we've been attending! It meets in the morning and has child care available. Perfect for our schedule! I wanted some accountability, fellowship with other women, and social interaction for Jack. I had looked on the church website initially but hadn't seen this study. Thank you, Facebook, for helping me find this group!

I also joined a Facebook groups for army wives and army play groups. I haven't yet met up with anyone through those pages because our kids keep getting sick, but it is nice to be able to write to others and get their recommendations on the area. I have friended some of the members of these groups and we have messaged back and forth. Even this interaction has helped me feel more connected.

What really helped me feel at home- the spouses brief for Matt's training class. This brief was to explain the class to spouses, what to expect, what resources are available to us, and to meet each other. The wives who attended exchanged phone numbers and we met up the next week (and plan to on a weekly basis as often as possible!). These girls are mostly new to Army life just like me. Their husbands are all the same rank and MOS as mine. This group will most likely become my main group of friends while we live here at Fort Sill.

So, there are many avenues for meeting people. It can be a little awkward, but just remember that everyone has been there before. Everyone has had a first installation and knows how difficult it can be to make friends. I hear that as you move from place to place you get more acquainted with meeting people and getting out there. You figure out what groups are available on post and which offices have information that would be useful to you. Just get out there!

You will be as lonely as you let yourself be.