I just got used to being alone. I was able to stop working, and now I am enjoying life. I was always a Loner also, and yes, there are times when I am lonely, I want a friend or someone special to run around with, but instead of frustrating myself about it, I just accepted it.
I now have a different attitude about it, and am enjoying life. Just let it go and you'll feel better.

It's good that you get out and you have your pets to care for. That sounds to me like someone with coping skills. I know sometimes I just wish there was a good friend to share a conversation, joke or go for a coffee/meal with . For many reasons, we here have found ourselves without those connections. You're amongst many on this site that have the same problem so I hope you'll feel support here.
There was something liberating about accepting my lonely status and not fighting it. I started to realise that mostly I actually enjoy spending time alone. Now I value being able to do what I want, when I want and have far less responsibilities and unpleasant commitments than my less lonely peers.
I try to make everyday worthwhile by planning what I want to achieve. Even if it's just boring stuff like cleaning, I get satisfaction from being able to tick off tasks on my lists as I complete them.
As far as advice on how to find decent friends to hang out with, I'm still working on that. I suppose you've heard of meetups? How many groups they have available will depend on the area you live in.
Enjoy your Sunday!

Thank you for your input. I do live by myself, and that doesn't bother me. I miss having a friend or two to hang out with now and then. Being alone is no problem, but there are times I want to connect with someone. I don't trust meetups and such, with people I don't know.

How about volunteering? In a nursing home, animal shelter,
a cause you believe in?

Since I'm kinda isolated, and on a fixed income, it's hard to get the gas money for running around a lot. It's 11 miles just driving into town, and it's a small town. I used to volunteer at the Salvation Army, but they're in another town too. I go to church, but no friendship ever goes beyond the church doors.

What about making a garden?

I live up in the hills, ground is too hard to plant anything. And getting up and down isn't so easy anymore. So I did buy some plants, And some of them are weird, they don't like the altitude.

Cooking or baking?

Not really. I prefer to get out and do things with people.

Hello. I feel the same. I don't have any friends. . I've tried to change My way of thinking hoping it will help me make friends. So, when I go to the store I try to start conversations with people. or be really friendly, have you tried joining any groups in your area? or going to events? singles groups?

I'm 61 and I know how you feel. Lost my husband 7 yrs ago. I have dated but have not found someone special. So I live alone with my 3 cats. I do have a sister I see once a week since we go visit our brother who is in a nursing home. But that is about it. I have tried making friends but everyone already has them or they just stay with family. Such as at church. I have had friends in the past but they either move away or got a different job or got married. I guess it's life. I know the Lord is with me and is watching over me. So that helps too.

I live 11 miles out of town, so everything is a trip for me. And it's a very small town., not much going on. I do go to church, but friendship doesn't go beyond the doors. I am very introverted, don't make friends easily. The last time I had a best friend was maybe 20-some years ago. She moved to Oregon, and I moved to Washington later on.

@Wolfspirit, there is not much you can do but move forward and rely on YOURSELF. I used to try my best to make connections, but that only led to heartache and disappointment. I got tired of people using me and treating me like some cheap hooker. So I am proud to be single and friendless at this point in my life. I turned 35 this past March and I feel the bravest I have ever been! Saying no and telling people to fuck off feels so much more powerful now and I don't feel guilty about not wanting a relationship or friends anymore. It is MY life and MY time.

My suggestion would be for you to find something you like to do that makes you happy. For me, I love horror movies, concerts, yoga, reading, and spending time with my toddler son. Instead of complaining, I look at the positive things in my life. I was blessed with a child I thought I would never have, when so many women and couples will never be able to experience having a biological child. I am beyond thankful to God, even for the heartache, and even though I still endure the chronic pain from having my little boy. It was all worth it. My life has a purpose and yours does too! Take care love. God bless.

Thank you for your input. I realize it's mostly up to me. At my age, there's not much to do, though I do have things to keep me busy. My problem now is the lethargy from my depression. Hard to get out of bed even. But relying on God's strength and faithfulness.