I just got out of a 10+ year relationship a couple months ago, rather suddenly and not of my own volition. I do not fault my former partner, she did what she felt she had to do to be happy. Unfortunately, turns out, I didn’t really have any friends of my own, I was just a hanger-on to her group. I have done a bad job of keeping in touch with anyone outside of this group, and I find myself very lonely nowadays.
Things have been tough for me for this and several other reasons the last couple years, and while I am incredibly thankful for my family taking me back in and supporting me while I get back on my feet, they can’t be the only people I interact with. That said, how does one actually accomplish this? I’m pushing 40, I live in a rural area (30 minute drive to anything that isn’t run and populated by out-and-out racists), and I’m broke as hell. I’m not particularly even interested in dating, just making some new friends and not being so lonely all the time. Where can you go and what can you do nowadays that doesn’t cost a bunch of money and people are willing to talk to strangers? Internet or IRL, I suppose, but IRL is better because God I need to get out of the house more.
Think about something you are passionate about, it can be biking, cars, some sport, maybe some morals that you believe in, faith, cards, or really anything, as long as you feel some passion or attraction to it.
Then find events that relate to this thing (can be multiple things) usually you can find irl events in WhatsApp groups, facebook groups, meetup, etc. And just go there a few times.
I was in a similar position as you about 3 years ago, and by doing this I quickly met a lot of people, a small amount of I actually bonded with.
Having an event that at it’s core has a subject that everyone shares a passion towards, really helps people bond, and it raises the chance that you will share other passions with the people there.