Making Friends in Midlife is Weird - So I Made a Place for Us to Do It

I moved to Florida in 2018, and on paper, everything looked great.

New chapter. New place. Sunshine. A business to run. A whole life that worked.

But socially? I did what a lot of adults do when they move somewhere new: I told myself I’d “meet people eventually.”

And then… eventually turned into years.

First, meeting people wasn’t at the top of my list. When you’re running a business, keeping the wheels on the bus takes priority over building a social life. Then COVID happened (which pretty much hit the pause button on “new friends,” globally). And after that… time just kept going.

St. Pete is one of those places that looks like it should be easy to find community. It’s artsy. It’s vibrant. There are markets and murals and shows and cool people everywhere.

And yet, I kept having the same experience: I’d go to art events, I’d attend shows, I’d walk around markets… and I’d leave without any real connection. Lots of “this is so fun,” not a lot of “let’s actually be friends.”

My Florida life was amazing in so many ways, but I didn’t have the kind of social connections I used to have before I moved here.

And honestly, I didn’t even realize how much I missed that until I said it out loud.

The weird truth: adult friendship doesn’t just “happen”

As kids, friendships are automatic. As adults, they’re… scheduled.

And in midlife, there’s this extra layer:

• people are busy

• people are tired

• people already “have their people”… or at least it looks that way

• and nobody wants to be the one who’s like, “So… do you want to be friends?”

So instead of trying harder at all the usual things, I started thinking differently:

What if the problem isn’t that we’re bad at meeting people… but that we’re choosing spaces that don’t create connection?

Because going to a show is inspiring, but it’s not always connective. It’s easy to observe. It’s harder to belong.

The thing that always brings me back to myself

Here’s what I do know:

When I’m creating, I’m different.

I’m in flow. It’s almost meditative. My brain quiets down. I feel like I’m fully myself — not “business owner me,” not “task list me,” not “I should probably be doing something productive me.”

Just… me.

And I kept thinking: why is that something we only do alone in our houses? Why do we treat creativity like a private luxury?

Then my mom and I started talking about it… how fun it would be to host creative nights for other people too. Not the kind where you’re worried about doing it ‘right’, more like: here’s the guidance you need, and here’s the freedom to make something you actually love.

Just… creating because it feels good.

And yes, I know, that can sound cheesy. But I’m convinced there’s something real here:

Creativity + small groups + a great atmosphere = magic.

Not in a woo-woo way. In a very practical way: it gives people something to do together that makes connection easier.

What I was actually trying to build (without realizing it)

I thought I was building art nights.

But what I was really building was a place where:

• you can come solo and not feel awkward

• you’re not required to be “on”

• conversation happens naturally (because you’re doing something together)

• and you leave feeling a little more human than when you walked in

A place where the vibe is welcoming, not chaotic. Elevated, but not pretentious. Creative, but not intimidating.

Because if I’m being honest… I made this for me too.

I wanted a reason to meet people that didn’t feel forced. I wanted to be part of a community that felt real, not just “a cool city where cool things happen around me.”

So I created Apricity Artworks as a win-win: you get a creative night out that’s genuinely fun, and I get to build the kind of space I always wished existed when I moved here.

If you’ve been craving connection, this is your sign

If you’re new to the area, rebuilding your social life, or just realizing that your calendar is weirdly empty of actual friends… I get it.

And you don’t have to fix it by becoming someone you’re not.

You don’t have to join a club you hate. You don’t have to “put yourself out there” in the most awkward ways possible. You just need a space where connection can happen naturally- and a reason to show up.

That’s what we’re doing here.

Come create with us. Come laugh a little. Come be around people without pressure.

And if you come to a session and we end up becoming friends? Honestly… that’s kind of the point.

If any part of this story resonated with you, you’re exactly who these nights are for. Come join us at an upcoming art experience and see what happens when creativity and connection share the same table.

FAQ: Apricity Artworks + the “coming solo” question

1) Can I come alone?

Yes: and you’ll be in good company. Creative sessions are one of the easiest solo-friendly activities because you’re automatically doing something in a shared space.

2) Is this a paint & sip?

Kind of - it’s my version. Same fun, social paint-night energy, but more boutique: a beautiful setup, a welcoming vibe, and small groups (capped at 12) so you get enough guidance to feel confident, with enough freedom to create something that feels like you.

3) Do I need experience?

No. These are beginner-friendly art experiences. You’ll get guidance, support, and a finished piece you’re proud of.

4) Is it awkward if I’m not “artsy”?

Not at all. You don’t have to identify as an artist to enjoy making something.

5) What kind of people come?

All kinds - locals, newcomers, solo guests, friend groups, women who want a fun night out, and people who just want to do something creative that feels good.

6) What if I’m shy?

Perfect. You’re allowed to be shy here. You can talk as much or as little as you want, the activity carries the social part for you.