Does your church run any groups such as rambling, supervising girl guides/boy scouts or anything else that would interest you? Or maybe a part-time job or voluntary work? I hope you find something soon. Barry

You should do online dating, and I mean talk to as many folks online as you can. Of course give no personal financial information.
Talk to as many as you can handle, it will help with the shyness. Also if you talk to them does not mean you are going to actually meet anyone, but it does give you a feeling of being wanted.
If you talk to enough of them you will find that talking to people in public will be easier.
If you are shy, go to the grocery store during the busiest time of day and say 'hi' to everyone you see. Do that a few times the more days the better.
Then challenge yourself to to up your game and comment on peoples food choice or clothing.
The bigger the store the better.
then go to a busy park during the day and do the same thing.
Challenge yourself, come back here and up date us on your success.

MemphisWH
Read your advise above, but online dating is not all that easy either. Believe me I tried it. In 18 months I "met"
three scammers and four perverts. Would love to find a site where there are honest and loyal gentlemen.
May be you think they still exists?
And in the grocery store I only talk to women my age...Let me know if you know of any ......

I agree-Widowered here and trying to figure out how to start over.Like its not 1968 anymore lol.Never been alone before and lonliness is a big bummer for sure.Have daughter here but she will be moving on soon.Would like to meet that special someone to share the rest of lifes wonders.So many great life stories to share.

I can relate to everything you said. I too would like to date but can’t seem to meet anyone. They do seem to be all scammers on the dating sites or as you said they are fussy. I am trying volunteering and so far I like it and it gives me something to look forward to each week. I like what one person said to say “hi” to people in the grocery stores. Stay positive and many hugs to you.

Its very hard to meet anybody these days especially now with covid 19. You just keep trying or take a break sometimes when your not looking you can find someone. Good luck, your not alone !!!

I agree the online sites are scams to charge monthly fees. Now with Covid most senior centers are not open
Volunteer if possible there are also senior travel groups forming online. Good luck and stay safe