I'm having a really hard making friends with women in my office as they all have kids and I'm the no-kids woman. I have a fairly low key social life outside of the office and would love to go out for a drink or even just eat lunch with other women, but they only really talk about their families and I'm not sure how to break through. Should I even try? It's making me feel very lonely and self conscious for some reason.

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They probably don’t have time for a drink, although I’m sure they wish they did. At lunch, they are probably doing their “real” full-time job of parenting (tons of logistics to take care of at any given moment). It’s all-encompassing. There is almost zero time for anything else. Having said that, I’m sure they would love to be asked about lunch! It would be a welcome break for them.

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For sure! Most working moms do have hobbies and interests outside of our kids. It’s always nice for our kid-less friends to talk about those things, and activities they do! Just approach them like a normal conversation and ask questions about what they like to do.

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I’m also a female without kids among a group of women who are largely moms. I have made myself “family-friendly” by expressing interest in their families and genuinely enjoying the second-hand kid experience. We have found ways to connect and spend time together with and without their families and it’s been a lot of fun.

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Begin by approaching one colleague for a one-on-one lunch; it's often more manageable to cultivate a friendship this way. Suggest a date a week ahead so she can schedule it without conflicts.

Building rapport individually can be more comfortable and allows for open conversation. While the topic of children may naturally arise, use this as an opportunity to engage and learn from her experiences. Inquire about her strategies for juggling work and family life. Questions like, "How do you manage your professional responsibilities along with parenting?" or "Have you observed distinct traits in your children that remind you of the diverse personalities we encounter at work?" can be insightful. This not only shows your interest in their life but also relates it back to common workplace dynamics.

It can be really tough to make friends at work, I have been there OP. You will find some people you fit in with but sometimes it takes some time. It is really hard when you are the only one with no kids and I understand how lonely that can be. Hang in there!

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