Hi Belle. Volunteering is always a way to get yourself out there if you don't want to date. I'm at nearly 17 months now since my wife of 30 years died of cancer. Me, I've got no one now and plan to continue working to age 70 if I make it that long. I started doing the internet dating thingy and had a blast. Apparently nice guys are hard to find from what I was told. And from the stories I was told by numerous women, there are a lot of guys out there just looking to hook up. Sad. Looking back on it now, I realize I was extremely vulnerable. I think I fell madly in love 3 or more times. But then I made the big mistake of running off and marrying one of my dates 2 weeks after we met. It was a disaster. She had to wrap up her other job in another town before she could move in. We lasted 8 days together. Long story. Suffice it to say, I'm an idiot. So that is the way NOT to do it. Now I've thrown myself into a total remodel of my house. Moved everything out, now I'm gutting the place. Keeps me busy and my mind off my lonliness. So I went from a long term best of marriages to a 4 week absolute worst nightmare. This kid is not going to be in any hurry to get hitched again, if ever. But like you, it would be nice to have a new best friend to hang with and enjoy life together. I also am basically an introvert and quiet, and meeting new people has never excited me. Eventually I will date again, but I've got this house project to keep me out of trouble for a long time (as slow as I am at projects). Oh, check your area for Meet-Up groups, and of course there is always the senior center. But I am the same age as you, and I can't seem to admit that I have become a senior like it or not. I guess I've rambled enough. God bless and comfort us all. ~~~ Scottie

I think we are in the same boat. My husband and I were both introverts. I knew from the start of his passing I needed to get out there and keep socially active. So stepped it up. Joined two classes, volunteer at two different nonprofits, visit a 93 year old lady in assisted living who is on hospice a few days a week just to make sure she is eating, getting out of her room. Joined a meet up group, go to two support groups., joined a church group All that going on, there is this deep feeling of aloneness. No family in immediate area. I would trade it all to wake up and have my husband back at my side. So let's hang in there, support each other, keep busy, engaged in life, help others to the best of our ability. There has to be a greater reason for all this.... Much peace

Thank you Scottie and Rainbow for the sound words of advice.

I do think working again would be beneficial and I am continually apply for jobs either full or part time. But I have not worked in 5 years ,first taking care of my sister with her cancer, then my husband's health declined so I remained home to be with him. A 5 year gap on my resume is not attractive regardless the reason,employers fo not care. That plus my age makes it difficult to find work in this challenging job market...perhas volunteering is going to be my best bet.

I registered with a number of different temporary agencies which kept me pretty busy. I am retired now. ((Hugs))