#5 Get a dog, #7 Knock on doors, and #10 Talk to strangers go hand in hand. Here’s how they work for me. I don’t want the expense and upkeep of owning my own dog, but I walk daily with a neighbor who walks her dog. Our turnaround point is a Starbucks where we greet regulars, some of whom are neighbors I never knew. During the year we’ve been walking, I’ve not only gotten the benefit of fresh air and exercise, but enjoy sharing the friendship of a dog (he looks forward to the dog biscuits in my pocket,)have gotten to know my neighbors and made new friends. It’s been a wonderful experience.

I feel just like you. It isn’t easy anymore. I do like my own company and as a Mom, my kids. But now my daughter is older and wants to hang with friends and I can’t make my son a Mama’s boy for too long, lol..Seems like I do have a few close friends but they are busy or too far distance wise. Or in another case, absorbed in her relationship. So, as a divorced single mom, I tried to join support groups but met with bitter women. I think I get along with men better..but I crave the close friendships most women have because they managed to RETAIN their high school and even childhood friends. I am 42 now and I feel lost but good thing I am don’t feel ALONE when I am by myself. I try to keep busy. But as someone else mentioned seems like nowadays you have your share of many ‘acquaintances’. Anyone watch the movie I love you Man? I feel like the female equivalent of the main character. Anyone relate?