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This is about something that bothers and annoys me, but I don’t know if I’m just being too touchy or WHAT? It happens in almost every relationship and situation I’m in, and every social media platform I’m a part of, no matter with Christians or unbelievers. Namely this: Whenever I say, or text/post a simple statement about what I’m feeling (on ANY subject) the immediate replies are almost always a piece of advice or “suggestion” of what I SHOULD DO. But all that I want and need is simply an acknowledgment or validation! Me: I’m feeling sad today because my kids live so far away. Friend #1: Why don’t you go for a nice walk honey, that’ll help you feel better. Friend #2: Have you considered moving closer to them? That’s what I did! Friend #3: Do a video call with them! That’s what we do. Friend #4: I just read about a new support group for sad single parents of adult children, I’ll find the phone number for you! Friend #5: I’m sorry you are sad today and I know the feeling! I struggle with missing my family too. (((❤️HUGS❤️))) SO yes, I am ever grateful for Friend #5 (Thank you!) but she is rare. What do you say to the rest? Do I have a sign on my forehead that says “Please FIX me” ?? I tend toward being VERY annoyed instead of gracious. Sometimes it zaps my energy to reply at all, or try to explain I DON’T WANT or NEED your remedy, and never asked for one. All I need is for someone to acknowledge what I said, and maybe validate that my feeling sad is OKAY. It’s Interpersonal Communication 101, right? (Now I’ll hopefully see who here will “get” what I’m saying, and/or who will advise me!!! 🤪)

My question is: Does anyone have any advice about how to find Christian social groups in the UK? I live alone and I am quite isolated, so I am hoping to extend my social circle, and I want to connect with other like-minded people. If anyone has any ideas or resources, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.

This might be one of those curly questions that are difficult to generalise about but "How do we know when to part company with individuals or groups that we have been associating and interacting with?" Christians are called out of the world, out of darkness, out of bondage, and out of sin, and into God's Kingdom, into the light of the Gospel, into liberty in the body of Christ, and into righteousness, so what does that mean with regard to the direction we go, the intention we have, and the position we take? One thing is sure from Scripture, Christians are to consider one another and fellowship regularly, assembling or gathering to encourage and exhort one another. Heb 10:23-25 (23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. I remember well the departure of a highly regarded teaching elder from a congregation of around 300 gatherers being announced in a service as due to his not being happy with the direction the denomination was going in. A word of knowledge had been given to this elder at just the right time to help him decide that it was time to part company, so unhappiness is one thing but divine guidance should be sought and accepted as well, I believe. Anyone...?