Grace, this is my experience and perhaps you will find it useful.
In 2003 I started a book club of 10 women. It was a magical thing as we did not all know one another when it began, but we became a very close group. Not only did we meet for book discussions, but we also did numerous weekend trips over the years. During this phase of my life, I also belonged to a Bunco group of 12. Fast forward to Covid. My Bookclub ended-Zoom meetings just weren’t the same. Stir in Covid anttitudes and political opinions and we were finished when it was safe to meet again. Same with Bunco.
Now, at age 72 I’ve come to the realization that larger groups are no longer appealing to me even though there was a time that I enjoyed flitting from one conversation to another. One must be “on” for those types of gatherings , BUT I so value relationships with a chosen few and spend my time maintaining those connections.
So, is there a handful of people that you click with-those that you look forward to interacting with on a one on one basis? Someone that you look forward to hearing their voice on the other end of the phone? My point is perhaps you can think small so that you will not find the prospect of attending get togethers daunting.
Lastly, keep your antenna up for a new friend. My condo association hired a master gardener as a consultant and I clicked with her immediately. It’s never too late!
Best wishes to you, Cindy
Very true, cmdw2600. It takes two to tango. We have to want to improve our circumstances, and that is when we find that there are others, even strangers, who would like to help. But we must initiate the process....ourselves.