r/Seattle • u/moonlitemadess • 8h ago
Would Seattle women in their 30s and 40s be interested in a women's circle?
Seattle women in your 30s and 40s — would you be interested in a monthly women's circle?
I've been thinking about how, as adults, it can be surprisingly hard to make new friends and build meaningful connections beyond the friendships and routines we already have.
I'd love to start a small, monthly women's circle in Seattle for women in their 30s and 40s who are interested in meeting new people, having thoughtful conversations, and building genuine friendships over time.
I'm imagining something relaxed and welcoming — coffee or tea, a small group of women, and a few conversation prompts to help us get beyond the usual small talk. Nothing formal or overly structured, and definitely no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable with.
The hope would be to create a space where we can get to know one another, support each other through different stages of life, and maybe build the kind of friendships that grow naturally when you see people regularly.
I'm still in the early stages of exploring this idea, but I'm imagining starting with a small group in the Ballard, Fremont or greater Seattle area.
Before I get too far into planning, I'm curious:
Would something like this appeal to you?
What would make you feel comfortable showing up to a gathering where you might not know anyone?
Would you prefer a casual coffee meetup, guided conversation, or a mix of both?
I'm just putting the idea out there to see if there's interest, so I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, feel free to comment or send me a message! 💛
P.s I am taking notes and I truly appreciate the feedback.
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u/liggyfig 7h ago
Would something like this appeal to you? YES!
What would make you feel comfortable showing up to a gathering where you might not know anyone? LOCATION
Would you prefer a casual coffee meetup, guided conversation, or a mix of both? MIX
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u/ResIpsa79 5h ago
Yes to all this, I'd love to join and help organize u/moonlitemadess! And thank you for bringing this up, we could all use more community up here, especially this time of year.
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u/SoloSable 7h ago
I run a vetted women's group that we started in 2020 and is now up to 45 regular members! My advice is to rotate sign up for hosting/organizing meet locations, hold child-friendly meetings once in a while so moms can come, and have specific topics to open meetings with (like, stand up and tell us about your work, hobby show and tell, recipe swap, etc.) My group is personal reference/invite only because men kept trying to join, so keep that in mind if you want a safe space to consciousness-raise or talk about women's issues.
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u/frostgalaxy999 5h ago
Can I dm you about this group?? Sounds interesting!!
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u/SoloSable 5h ago
Hi, no it is personal reference only so we only accept new members who an existing member has met IRL! Basically we trust our members to personally vibe check potential new members, but we don't accept anybody over the Internet after several instances of men joining our chat server and trying to come to meetings. I hope you find or create something that works for you though!
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u/temporalcupcake ✨🛸 Jimothy is out there 🦝✨ 7h ago
I might be interested, though I tend to chicken out. I'm such a homebody. But I just moved back after a few years away and I'm trying to be better at socializing this time.
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u/2ndgenerationcatlady 5h ago edited 2h ago
I once read somewhere (I think Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering?) that the best Meet Up groups are those that are a bit specific. So not just "women in their 30s/40s" but "women in their 30s/40s who live in West Seattle who like mystery novels" or "a book club for people in their 30s/40s who like hiking and live downtown." Putting aside some very social people can easily befriend anyone, most people are going to be more motivated/comfortable going to a somewhat more specific group.
Edit to add: I'm a woman in my 40s who would be in theory interested, but not with a group so broad.
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u/raindropp Capitol Hill 17m ago
I agree! I have tried a couple of the friend groups before and just being women within a certain age range does not mean you have enough in common to connect unfortunately.
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u/litlhutch 7h ago
I moved to Seattle 3 years ago and am in my late 40s and am having a very hard time meeting new friends. I’d be interested in joining
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u/AlarmingAd1651 Queen Anne 6h ago
Same. I moved here almost 6 years ago for a job that was remote and lots of travel so I never even had coworkers to connect with, now I’m laid off and still struggling to meet people.
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u/ceruleania SoDO Mojo 7h ago
Great idea but what’s up with the ChatGPT post?
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u/Sleepy_Seattleite 4h ago
I'd guess just to clean up their initial writing and make it read more smoothly, based on how interactive they've been in this post and previous comments.
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u/disc0_witch 7h ago
I’m interested! I just moved to Ballard so I’m still trying to get settled but I would love to participate, as long as it’s low pressure for commitment. I’m a pretty conscientious person but I’m feeling pretty burned out these days.
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u/moonlitemadess 5h ago
I understand completely and have no plans in a creating a group that adds to the stress of people's lives. Low pressure, no commitment required is the idea!
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u/AdScared7949 That sounds great. Let’s hang out soon. 8h ago
I recommend the meetup app it has some groups like this already or you could make your own. There is definitely interest.
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u/plantsxcats 5h ago
I used to use Meet up but don’t anymore with the fees. I use Bumble BFF now
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u/AdScared7949 That sounds great. Let’s hang out soon. 5h ago
Does bumble BFF do group activities or is it only for meeting individual friends
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u/plantsxcats 4h ago
Individual but my two bumble bff friends introduced me to other friends and now I’m a part of two separate friend groups lol.
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u/Purple_Literature4 8h ago
The meetup app is paid, isn't it?
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u/eclectic_hamster ✨🛸 Jimothy is out there 🦝✨ 7h ago
It costs a criminal amount of money to run events. About $400 a year.
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u/moonlitemadess 8h ago
Thank you for the recommendation.
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u/eclectic_hamster ✨🛸 Jimothy is out there 🦝✨ 8h ago
Just a warning that meetup is extremely expensive. About $400 a year for you to make up to two groups. Keep that in mind while you plan.
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u/moonlitemadess 8h ago
Oh! Thank you so much for that piece of info. Crossing that off my list of options as I really want this to be a low/zero cost thing for everyone involved.
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u/lucidkale 6h ago
I’d look at posting on Luma app
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u/lucidkale 6h ago
Also Partiful is free too
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u/moonlitemadess 5h ago
Thank you for the suggestions, I will look into these.
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u/midnightc0bra That sounds great. Let’s hang out soon. 5h ago
Please use Partiful - easier to use and no annoying ad pop ups (meetup has been plagued with ad pop ups and almost every feature you need to have a paid subscription to access)
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u/AngryFeministKnitter Rainier View 6h ago
I’d love to join. I’m in South Seattle so location is important, I don’t want to go way up north. Casual can be intimidating when everyone kind of pairs off and you don’t know anyone, but I’m open to anything!
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u/PrincessIndoorMeow That sounds great. Let’s hang out soon. 6h ago
Would love to! As someone who struggles with large groups would it be an option to have breakout groups with smaller numbers?
I like the idea of a guided conversation combined with a casual coffee meetup. It might help break the ice a little for some of the more introverted folks (raises hand).
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u/swaywithwords 🐀 Hot Rat Summer 🐀 2h ago
Just make it women of all ages!
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u/moonlitemadess 1h ago
Thinking about this!
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u/turnipcafe 28m ago
Going to throw this out here. I love your idea and there is a big need for it and you can make it work. I tried a similar gathering with all ages. Although I think it’s important for younger and older people to talk, learn from each other, and understand one another, if that generation-bridging isn’t the goal, the talking points of older and younger women will diverge.
In my group the younger women talked about careers, the future, families, children, etc.
The older women talked about aging, aging parents, dead parents, how to live the last part of life fully etc.
The older women end up listening to and mentoring the younger womenIt can work but requires some navigation.
But it’s still a great idea.
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u/SuddenNovel6054 2h ago
Just chiming in - I have run a weekly discussion circle of 5 people (men and women) for a couple years now and it is the most rewarding thing I do, and I know everyone else loves it and looks forward to each meeting.
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u/frostgalaxy999 5h ago
A coven??? Are we doing that??? 💕 I'm not in the city and I'm shit at going into the city (where are we parking?) but I'm interested so poking my head out of my covers to respond
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u/Martel_Mithos 7h ago
I think this sounds lovely, I'm 36 and I live very close to the ballard/fremont area. I think a casual coffee meetup with a few ice-breakers/conversation topics ready to go would be great.
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u/Nellie_blythe Ballard 6h ago
This sounds appealing. I'm in my mid 40s and realizing I have very few female friends that still live around here.
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u/AlarmingAd1651 Queen Anne 6h ago
I’m 49 in lower Queen Anne and would love to join a women’s circle. I’ve not had much luck with meetup groups, they’re usually too niche or too far outside Seattle. I don’t really have a preference on casual coffee or guided, I do think a mix might be best. Maybe 30 minutes mixer/casual and then 30 min to an hour of guided conversation.
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u/fluffy_camaro 8h ago
That’s a great idea! I’m actually starting a virtual women’s circle with one of my friends today. I would be absolutely interested in an in-person circle. I do a lot of work with spiritual communities, but I’m also also looking to meet meet people in all areas of life.
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u/moonlitemadess 8h ago
Lovely! I wish the virtual meeting all the success and I will definitely post again if/when this comes to fruition!
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u/reckless_optimist_ 5h ago
I’m interested, for sure. I think location is going to be the biggest factor. For me, I’d want to stay closer to home (ballard area) so if it’s too far from that, I would likely flake.
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u/Effective-Papaya1209 7h ago
Unless there is childcare there or children are welcome, single moms won’t be able to participate. And I think we are an important part of “women.” Also important to specify if trans women are included
Those would be my concerns about coming
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u/knerdlies 7h ago
Early 30’s new Seattle transplant here! I would greatly love to participate in a community like this :) I think a mix of guided conversation, or even “bring your own craft” nights!
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u/Fishy_soup 6h ago
This is so good. People are so isolated and nobody even knows their neighbors. Things like this are so so necessary
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u/Playful-North1599 5h ago
I would love to find out more! I love the idea of no pressure, but also a guided type get together with themes or topics. I think I would be interested in a mix of casual and guided. Thanks for putting this idea out there!
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u/collapsing_night 5h ago
I am so interested! 38 in capitol hill, my best friend might want to come along too, she is also my age!
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u/Couplakooks 3h ago
LOVE this idea...sometimes I'm a little nervous in groups where I don't know anyone, but this kinda levels the playing field.
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u/No_Sea_858 2h ago
I am definitely interested! I'm on the south end and would love to meet other women down here ❤️
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u/Morganwant 8m ago
I’m trying to move to the Seattle area by December. Just had two promising interviews today. It would be nice to hit the ground running with some places to make friends!
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u/FewDragonfruit5164 7h ago
just some feedback, I'm 36 and considering moving to Seattle from MN and would definitely check it out
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u/alyohman11 5h ago
I would be very interested. I am introverted so personally feel a preference for guided conversations!
Also, I think it would be important to highlight that there may/will be people with differing views and lifestyles (i.e. I am poly), and stressing that people are expected to be respectful, even if they don’t share the same interests or value frameworks.
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u/Purple_Literature4 8h ago
I would love to join! I think that making it clear that's it's a 0 pressure (how you look, talk, what you like to do) kind of first meet up would feel very welcoming for everyone.