So, so, so, SO lonely in DC

[Anonymous]

I adore my 6 month old daughter but lately have been feeling very lonely. I live in DC and for the life of me cannot seem to meet other moms in my neighborhood (Dupont). I set a couple things up but most people flake out. Today in fact, I had a baby playdate set up with another mom and got DD dressed and ready to go. We were waiting in the coffee shop for 45 minutes and the woman never showed. She wrote me an email that I read when I can home that said her DS was napping, she didn't want to wake him and didn't have my #. I am a SAHM and love the time I get to spend with my DD but I would love to meet other people and make some friends. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or does anyone know if an organized playgroup (any group!) that meets regularly in Dupont area? I used to work a highly demanding job that blended into my social life but now I am in a social rut- and it is getting me very down. Thanks for any advice.

[Anonymous]

I live in Arlington, so I'm not much help. Just wanted to send a hug.

[Anonymous]

Op, this is not meant to be snarky. Consider "talking' to dd. I was in the same way years ago, and I don't for the life of me remember speaking to my dd. Now all I remember is how lonely I was. They can hear. Please don't take this post badly.

[Anonymous]

http://momsclubdc.org/

I have heard good things about MOM's clubs.

[Anonymous]

OP, sending you hugs! I'm so sorry you got stood up today, that stinks! I think most people have good intentions but lack follow through on the best days, let alone throw in a new, possibly frazzled mom and a napping infant. There's safety in numbers! Try to find a mom's group or maybe go to a class at the breastfeeding center (they're not just for new moms) if you breastfeed. I used to live on the Hill and we have a great resource there of moms and there is always a standing playdate. Maybe Dupont has something like this?

I'd love to hang out with you, but I'd probably just be another flaky flaker. I say this not because I want to flake, but because my son has reflux, is not a great napper, and is generally kind of a tough little number and has frequent melt-downs. Sometimes it is very hard to overcome my inertia to get us both out of the house in time for a playdate, even though I very much want to!

[Anonymous]

have you considered having an affair? look at craigslist.

[Anonymous]

OP- I just wanted to let you know that this is the worst of it- once your d starts walking around and taking more of an independant interest in the world around her you can take her to music together or politics and prose story hour and you'll find your tribe- or at least some other lonely parents eager to chat.

[Anonymous]

I was a total hermit in those days. It is really really hard. But it does get easier. The problem is that the kids do sleep and eat so often (I know I never even tried to make playdates because it was hard for me to leave the house for 20 minutes - without trying to plan which 20 minutes). I find it helpful to even just get around other people, go to playgrounds and just sit and watch with your child. You will find some chatty moms sometimes and other times it's just nice to not feel so quite "alone."

[Anonymous]

Hang in there. You will find a group. Isn't there some open group of Moms that meets at Tryst every week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hang in there. You will find a group. Isn't there some open group of Moms that meets at Tryst every week?

NP here- tell me more about this group please.

[Anonymous]

it's difficult to meet people here for me, too, but I live in the suburbs....just sending you best wishes! Hope that things change for the better soon!

[Anonymous]

Have you tried PACE and other classes (e.g., baby-wearing) at the JCC? Stead Park is also a good place to meet moms, as is Ross on the weekends.

[Anonymous]

OP, see if there are any classes for this age group at the JCC. I met our best friends there.

[Anonymous]

Playground?

[Anonymous]

OP - There are classes for babies and moms. Try a music class at Levine School. Many libraries have story time and that's a great place to meet other moms. I used to go to a couple of different parks a week when my kids were babies. Rose Park, Montrose and Volta are all in Georgetown. Palisades has a great library and park. Also, Wilson just opened a new aquatic center that is fantastic. They might have classes for babies. The trick for me was to get out and meet other moms. Good luck.