Try to get out to start at least once a week with friends or around others to meet. If you do it slow then you will not feel overwhelmed with heading back into the old routine. Maybe by helping others to start so at least you are meeting others. I go to the library a lot but also work at a gym so I do meet a lot of people sometimes you have to set limits on how many people you want to let into your life but it is a start for you. God Bless

well I am in AA and know how that is...but try meetup.com and join a group or two and go to the things they host that interest you...I am in a 50 and single group and a couple others...some groups do hiking but my knees keep me from walking much

so are you still sober? how long? I am approaching 19yrs...still go to meetings...chaired home group tonight...speaker/discussion on step 4....fun night went out to dinner after with friend who goes to different mens group....both groups are mens groups and about a mile apart at same time Tuesday evenings....we call ourselves "The Quitters" because our group quit the other group and went off to the church that the other group moved out of...we get 30-50 men every week...so does the other group...

I hope you consider going to a meeting and getting back into center of the boat....hugs billwfriend (name says it all) LOL

Physical exercise helps me. I like to ride a bicycle. It expands my "world view", gets me out of the house and the endorphins are good loneliness beaters. I still may not WANT to be around people, but I feel so good that I don't CARE that I'm alone.

I think getting back into AA would be a good idea. Maybe start out at once a week, or even once a month? Also, there just aren't that many boards for what you are looking for that are "active' as you say. Believe it or not, the depression board is one of the busiest, and as far as I'm concerned, one of the best. Another good one that is quite active is the loneliness board. That is food for thought.
Hugs GB

I have stated things with meetup.com, go to the gym, go for walks, go to a local bookstore ( they have a cafe) and I'm a regular. So, I see familiar faces.

I also agree with meetup.com. Lots of different groups. I found it a great way to get out of the house.

Hi and welcome. The middle steps? For me, I had become such a recluse that I just didn't associate with people. I couldn't even stand going to get groceries because I would have to deal with people.

I also had a bad case of anxiety and that stopped me from going out into public. A.A. meetings were hit or miss with me. I would get a case of anxiety so bad that I would have to walk out.

I have found that forcing yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable is the key to wellness. It can be difficult but believe me once done....you will feel more confidence and will feel better for yourself for making yourself go through it.

Try it and let me know if it helps you.

coming to DS is helping me to learn to talk to strangers. For its hard for me to make friends and to trust. But I have found alot of nice people here. People that cares and reaches out. And no one seems to judge either. And Hugs to you all :)

Hi there! You know what helps me sometimes to help start the process of socializing? I like going to hobby lobby and just browsing through everything. I might not be socializing per se, but being by myself in a public place while surrounded with lots of neat things really does break the barrier. Plus I find some neat things to take home.

some great advice above but i'll comment from another perspective; are you sure you want people in your life? i know what it is like to be an introvert... and the crazy hermit lol... i was where you are about mid last year and started making an effort because i thought i "should". bad move! as an introvert, i found that the occasional business meetings were actually sufficient to cover my real life social needs, i was balanced and content. but then this same idea of making friends occurred to me so I started making some and all it has achieved is reminding me why i like spending time by myself lol. it is something to think about for those of us that find people exhausting.. btw, you must read this woman's book first, it is very liberating and empowering for us introverts, helped me understand a lot about myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4

Agree with CagedDreams.. If you've gone from introvert to hermit, do u really want to be around ppl?

My ex is an introvert. It's obvious that he's satisfied mainly with being by himself (not necessarily being lonely), but when he TRIES to pretend to be an extrovert, eventually he becomes agitated, annoyed & even disrespectful. Then he takes his frustration out on the person closest to him or nearby. You said that ppl are also exhausting to be around. You sound like my ex because he makes it seem that way. Even around his "Family Get-Togethers" ....he doesn't talk much.

Is this what u really want or do u want to try to conform to what u "Think" is the "norm"?