@ellamster The key to finding friends is to do things that interest you, and put yourself in places that could create opportunities to meet people casually who have similar interests. Friendship has to develop naturally, and it can't be forced. Just relax. If you talk about being really lonely to people you are trying to make friends with, it could make them feel pressure and turn away, so just enjoy the moment with no expectations. Not everyone will be compatible and have mutual interests. Some people have lives filled with their own interests and don't make room for others, and wouldn't be people that I would want to be a friend to. That being said, I always treat people with courtesy. Sometimes friends can drift apart and you never know why. Try holding a door open for someone and smiling and say hello.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people. Do you have pets? Volunteering at an animal shelter would help you meet people and you could interact and bond with animals which may help you feel a connection. Walking a dog in a park can be a real ice breaker for meeting people, and many people are pet lovers. Do you play a musical instrument? There are volunteer community bands giving free outdoor concerts in parks. Even going as an audience member and sitting on the lawn with a picnic dinner could put you in a good neutral place to make friends. You could join a club for outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, a photography club, or biking, etc.

So the question is.... what do you like to do in your free time?