The solution is to find people like you. It's true many people will ignore or reject people who they can't get anything from but that is certainly not all people. You just need to keep trying until you do. If you get rejected it means they are not for you and you should be thankful!

Hello Marilyn I think I’ve identified with you several times before on this site. Wish you were my neighbor!
I’ve talked about this with you and others one other time.
I hate going to some ladies event where you hardly know anyone. I’ve left depressed, and never want to go back.
I’m only 81! I love saying that now!
It’s part of my new attitude.
Well anyway, we have a ladies group that meets once a month here in my HOA neighborhood.
I left early the first time feeling so sad. Did not go back for a year.
I’m not really shy but seems like I am with new people. Do not know what to do to start a conversation.
Finally one day I signed up to go again. Sat at a snack bar with like 6 other women. Just sat and listened for a while and then if I could chime in with a comment, I did. Eventually that helped me, break the ice.
At the end of the evening, I told the ladies that I did not want to come here tonight right up to the last minute!
And then I told them I was so glad I did. I got lots of hugs from them instantly and they were so happy that I said that to THEM. Made them feel good that they helped ME!
So I’m going to go again this week,
I’ll let you know how I did and what I did to make myself feel comfortable there.
I’m guessing others don’t know what to say either😘

Where do you live?
Have you done a comprehensive review of resources in your community?
Have you contacted the social services department of your local hospital?
Have you contacted churches in your community?
Have you asked your doctor for assistance?
Best wishes. Write if I can be of help. I live in Westchester county, New York.

Yeah, you sound like me! I just enjoy doing everything solo because I open my mouth and insert my foot. Generally, most people dislike me. I never learned how to be "female" properly. Smile, smile, smile and bury your rage! I'm too blunt and cynical and these are not traits most people enjoy. I just no longer care because what gets me through is knowing that underneath my crusty exterior, I'm an ok human. I'm nice to animals and the elderly. I have manners. I don't commit crimes. I'm nothing special, but no one else is either.

@thisismarilynb
My mother is 96, lives alone, still drives, gets her hair done every Friday where she is treated nicely and encouraged by the staff and regulars she's met over the years. She's been widowed since 1997 and never dated anyone but my father. She's had many hobbies and was active in the Church until Covid. She recently lost her last good friend who was over 102. They worked together since WW2.
My mom refuses to accept that she'll die. This has it's positives but when you're
the only one left, it's not good. She'd be good in assisted living. She spent six weeks recovering from a bad UTI in 2022 and met several women.
My advice to you is realize where you are and make the most out of what is still working. Your brain. I know mine isn't what it used be. Good fortune to you.

@thisismarilynb I've had that happen to me but I don't think of it as rejection. I think what happens is that many people go to events with others and don't think about meeting new friends. It's not a rejection of you just circumstances. Sometimes it helps to smile at others and see if anyone else looks like they would like to chat. If you find no one to meet, you can always descreetly leave. On another note, I've often found it more fun to volunteer in some capacity rather than engage in endless small talk.