How to help a young man find friends?

[3Hotdogs]

I'm in a volunteer organization with this guy. He is in is 20's. Asian decent. Quite good looking. Dropped out of an Ivy League school.

I see him once a week when we volunteer at an organization. There are only three of us that volunteer. I am 81. Steve is 79. We don't talk too much about our personal lives. The work we do puts us in contact with very few other people.

He has a job which doesn't put him in contact with people his age. Steve and I and the staff of the organization have expressed the hope that he would find a job that paid him more and would get him a life. We would miss him as a volunteer but would like something better for him.


Today, he asked me if I would like to go with him to a movie theater that is showing anime shorts. I would have gone with him but I am having hearing difficulties. (Hearing aids are being bought and installed next month). Any sound track would be received as distortion.

He said he understood and asked me because he has no friends. His family is in the home country.

Any thoughts?

[Bluethroughu]

1. He really should join an anime facebook group.

There are tons on young men and women into it, and then he could reach out from there, to meet in public, or take a class at the local community College, and join the groups there.

[NJCher]

2. Call your town hall

To the recreation department and see where the nearest community garden is. Then do a little homework to find out if there will be any plots available in the spring. See if he has any interest in having a raised bed plot.

I run these gardens in my community and have seen several friendships flourish there—many with immigrants.

Early February is when we start seeding peppers, so if he has any interest, he needs to act relatively soon.

My experience with Asian Americans is that they have quite an interest in gardening and already have skills/knowledge. I know about three that I can think of in my town who have some impressive gardens.

[MyMission]

3. Encourage him to take college classes

Or even adult ed classes in subjects that interest him, at a local community college to start, or something like a learning annex. That's a good way to meet young people.

Another idea is physical activity. He could use join a gym or dojo if he's so inclined.
And he could investigate and attend church or temple, if he's more spiritual.
Chinese new Year is coming up. If he's Chinese he might get involved in planning and attending an event. Just a few thoughts, since you asked.

[Bayard]

4. Online dating groups?

I actually met Mr. Bayard that way. We've been together for 10 years now.

I can also vouch for community classes.

[3Hotdogs]

5. thanks everyone.

I will pass them on to him next week.

[Buzz cook]

6. Find an Asian

social group where he can hang out. Many colleges/ community colleges have them.

There are also Asian American political organizations.