Where do young adults go to hang out?

[EllenFrasier]

My son is 20 and spends most of his time on the computer or watching TV. He does not get out with people his age and I'm growing concerned about him. But what can I do?
He's graduated from high school, he went to technical school and graduated from there. He's had several part-time jobs that have not worked out. He got along with the people he worked with, but did not forge any true friendships.
He has a learning disability and his social skills are not as mature as they should be, but he get along well with others, is interested in wrestling on TV, likes music and music videos, he loves to cook and watch Food Network on TV, etc., but has no friends.
Anyone have any suggestions or past experience with this? I'm not necessarily looking for a girlfriend for him, but just some friends to hang out with or go to the movies with.
Thanks!

 

[Magic Mom]

I think all the young people are in my basement. At least that's what the noise level indicates.

 

[autumnpalm]

I think all the young people are in my basement. At least that's what the noise level indicates.

OP, I'm a university student right now and I spend a lot of time with friends at coffee shops, hanging out in their apartments, the library (during the school year), restaurants, at the college and careers group at my church, bookstores... really, everywhere.

If he is done with his schooling, maybe he could go to a local community college just to take a class and get to know some people his own age? Join a recreational men's sports league? I'm not sure if you are religious at all, but many churches have young adult groups that are very open and friendly. Maybe cooking lessons at a nearby community center? Volunteering at a shelter, seniors home or hospital?

The majority of my friends I have met through university and church but I do have close friends from work and volunteer projects as well. Good luck to your son! I know sometimes it can be hard to put yourself out there.

 

[Forevryoung]

This is going to sound crazy at first but seriously consider it-

Is the fire department/Emergency Medical Services in your town volunteer? Is there a volunteer component?

GREAT place to join to make good friends, gain self-esteem, and be busy... It's not for everyone obviously. I can't imagine my life without the place.

We have a few guys with a learning disability who were able to pass both fire fighter exams or the EMT exam.

 

[minkydog]

My DS23 has been very much as you described: just sorta at loose ends after HS. All his friends either went to college or joined the military and he's not cut out for either one. So he was lonely for awhile. Then he discovered some kind of Magic/role play card game where they all meet up and play this roleplay game and win/lose cards to each other. I know it sounds dumb(at least TO ME it does) but he started making some friends. Some of those friends also introduced him to karaoke and now its an every Tues nite deal--he apparently has quite a following. One of the karaoke friends introduced him to his now-GF (and she's a keeper, I think!)
DS moved into his own apt back in April. In the meantime, being hungry and all , he had to learn to cook. Enter more new friends.THey get together at each other's homes and have these wild dinners. When he lived at home he could barely make toast! Imagine my surprise when he regaled us about his Fried Shrimp Dinner made from scratch!

One thing just leads to another.