Originally Posted by 122213

Thanks for your thoughts, Zero. I can look at you, and others here, and not think of any of you as "defective." It's just hard being that kind to myself, as we all know. But I'm getting there.

Oh, and I think as you were typing your post, I was signing up for volunteering with my local animal shelter. I get trained next Sunday and then I can jump right in. I'm hoping to meet some people that way. The volunteering for this particular program is to take the bigger/more active dogs for walks/runs around the park. I'm really excited because no matter how shy/introverted I am, the dogs are such a great buffer/conversation starter. And like your wife, I'm looking for meet-ups in my city that involve art classes as well. Trying to meet people with common interests that aren't drinking interests. Thanks for your feedback.

Jackie