why do i want friends but dont want to spend time with them.

I force myself to go to bingo at the local senior center. It’s not free, that would ruin the game.

It gets me out of my head, off of thinking about how I feel all the time. Well worth the effort and money. 2 hours of nice people having snacks and G rated fun. You don’t need a phone to play (haha)

I'm the same way at times. I'm not lonely but I don't know if it's because I'm older and I worked with the public one on one for years. I just like peace and absolutely no drama. I'm sorry you feel alone. Makes me sad but maybe just a phase for now. I will pray for you.

babbsjoy, don't forget to ask him about relatives! I am so sorry I didn't get info from my parents about their parents, but alas, they are gone now....

The thing about loneliness is that it is often two sides of the same coin, but for two people who might otherwise enjoy each other's company. It just takes one person to shrink from outreach, while their target suffers also in silence....alone. One of you must take the initiative and reach out! It's not like you're asking that person to move in with you! You want to call and shoot the breeze for five minutes...maybe even every other day. Or, meet that person in a neutral place and enjoy a coffee together.

Do you need to get out and walk daily (who doesn't in retirement!?!?)? If you are ambulatory, and can get to a park, sit on a bench until your friend walks up and says, 'Come on, we have to keep moving!' Enjoy the walk while chatting and showing one other person that you like them and that you like being with that person. Maybe that person will initiate the contact next time and save you the pressure...and guilt.