I recently moved to my rural property in a new state and town. As an introvert who has learned how to live in an extrovert world, I knew that if I didn't decide and act on making new friends then I would end up being a complete hermit. Probably happy, but alone nonetheless. I joined groups doing things I already enjoy, attend free lectures at the library, go to shows - all of them by myself - and then be BOLD. I approach strangers to start a conversation - not looking for any particular type of relationship. Usually it's a momentary contact, sometimes they become acquaintances, and a few have become good friends. I'm still at it - expanding my social circles, perhaps even fall in love. Once you overcome your fear of being the initiator, it's fun & interesting. If you decide that being locally friendless is not what you want, you CAN put yourself into circulation and establish friendships.

I have several close friends and family geographically near, but everyone has kids, significant others, etc and I seldom see any of them.

I am right there with you. It is so hard to meet people when every where you go all the other people have friends and folks around them so if you introduce yourself and you are alone it just seems to come off as odd or weird. These comments are golden though. I've learned some things!

Though it took awhile, I've discovered that I'm an extroverted introvert. About 3 years ago, I jumped into politics by volunteering for a candidate's campaign. I found I had some skill in the office and helping the volunteer co-ordinator. Not to mention that it made me face my fears and gulp! talk on the phone, to people, strangers and go canvassing door-to-door, to gulp! talk to more strangers. Now I love it. Have been involved in 3 more campaigns and might even have improved my jobs skills enough to land a job (we'll see). I used to worry about being alone and isolating, but now I've a good group of friends that include me in numerous activities and events and I couldn't be happier. I even know when I require my alone time and make sure I give myself abundant time to recuperate for the next get together. So, take a deep breath and find something that interests you and jump in (or just dip a toe to start) You never know where it will take you!

I have only 4 actual friends.

I have some good friends from work, but they are married. I have a lot of hobbies and interests, but I have to work a lot of hours every week. I wish I had more time for my interests. I don't really meet people like me. Someone doesn't have to be a copy of me, but it has to be someone I'd relate to, or understands things. I make pretty good money, but if someone has it easy, doesn't have to work hard, or had things handed to them, I can't relate to them at all. The life struggle of staying afloat and trying to pursue things I find interesting is always there. Being alone isn't bad, and I'm not willing to be with someone who isn't on the same page. It's not even about "compromising", someone who thinks in opposite terms isn't even considered.

You say you don’t have friends, but you might be surprised to find that the people who know you care about you. I have been surprised on many occasions at those who stepped forward.

Oh yes I get this kind of thoughts often. I think we have to start socializing.

I have friends but not a real support system. I've been on a quest to seek out and make real friends, including someone to be intimate with. I've been on this quest for a couple of years now.

I've been trying to make myself more outwardly interesting and outwardly attractive. The things I've been doing also Serve to make me more healthy. It has been very difficult and continues to be difficult. Every once in awhile I hit a wall of depression, but I got through it. So far.

Some

I am in the same type of situation. All my friends have either moved out of state or have just flaked on me. I am recently disabled due to a stroke and all I do is sit in a room all day by myself with almost no human interaction. My dad is 72 and has nothing to do with me except the occasional text. My mom is 67 and doesn't drive too much so I rarely see her. My son passed away in 2017. So I'm not left with much, I'm just hoping things will get a little better when I finally get my disability. I'll just try and keep on hanging on.

I am in the same boat! No kids or much family and no close friends. I am grateful for my few distant friendships! Perhaps part of this thought process is the age we are at. (50ish)..facing aging alone. I force myself to get out and do things...still looking to make friends and that takes time.

There are probably a lot of resources in your area that could be helpful. Some counties have "services for the aging" types of offices that could provide you with information on what is available in your area. Across the country, there are organizations called "Area Agencies on Aging;" If you can find the one for your area, they can probably provide you with a lot of information on resources for seniors. Home care resources, assistance with shopping, housecleaning, etc.

There are various senior citizen meal locations in most area; going to one of those for lunch on a regular basis (like once a week) would allow you to meet new people. Many local K-12 and university systems offer "enrichment" classes, that are usually not too expensive. I am sorry that the things I am suggesting require payment of some sort, but those are the types of resources I am most familiar with.

I read an article recently about the fact that more and more grandparents are raising grandchildren, and some public housing locations offer multi-bedroom units for grandparents raising grandkids. If you are interested and one is available in your area, you might want to consider a place like that. Rent may be calculated on a sliding scale based on your income, so that might help your financial situation somewhat.

I have similar concerns. I have no children and no other reliable relatives. I am making a point of getting out more to connect with others.

First learn to love yourself . Learn what the things are , that you enjoy doing . Develop solutions , to your problems , as you grow older . As I've become less mobile , I've made modifications to my home and my transportation . Look to see what options are there for you .

Yes, those are concerns for me too. I've been pushing myself out of my comfort zone in various ways. Dating meetups, or other types of Meetups (https://www.meetup.com/), or the various Trivia games held regularly in restaurants, etc. Or whatever is available to you locally. The goal, for me, is to practice being sociable, to practice meeting people, and to stay in practice. It's a way to stay open and receptive to people. Not everyone will turn out to be a friend, but I won't meet anyone by staying home. Remember the old saying - if you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you been getting.