So tired of being friendless and alone

I try, I really do. But my efforts don't seem to result in anything.
I met a woman who is my age and has a dog. We talk a lot when we run into each other outside. On two occasions I have invited her to do something and both times she was busy. She hasn't invited me. Yesterday I left her a voice mail and wanted to talk - she sent a message back just now, no call.
I get to know people and then they move away. I may make the effort to stay in touch, but they don't.
I make lists of things I could do to meet people, but I've done it all before and it still seems fruitless.
I lost my job 2 months ago.
I am as alone as I have ever been in my life. I can't find anyone to talk to.
So I watch tv and movies all the time.
It all seems so useless.
Alice

I'm sorry you're feeling so alone. I think people say it's harder to make friends when you're older. Also, it seems like social norms are tending toward wanting to keep people at arms length these days, but that's just my impression.

I hope SF gives you some support at least.

Sending hugs if you would like hugs

I know. I feel the same way. I've been going to Meetups for years and sometimes I feel alone in the midst of a group chatting around me. I went to a 4th of July party one year and while some I knew said hi, that was the extent of the conversation. People don't understand why I don't have a significant other - it is not for a lack of trying (although I have given up nowadays) but I haven't been able to meet with anyone they are all busy.

All I am saying is that I understand. And while SF is good it doesn't replace real life contact.

Thanks Mr. May

Cymbele: Heck, I've even started a Meetup. But it fizzled out after 6 months. I know there are a lot of people in the same boat, but knowing that doesn't help. I am afraid of online dating - I guess I have watched too many crime shows where girls and women are murdered. So, I live in my head.

Alice

hi Alice
Sorry about how this is happening to you and millions of other people as well.
I'd be happy to be your friend, and if we lived in close enough to one another would meet. I don't have my car back yet but am working on that happening.

- s

Thanks seabird.

Alice

Quite a few people enjoy pleasant and easy conversation. Even if it's just talking to people on the street. It won't work with everyone, but many won't mind.
(in my experience)

Divide and conquer. In my opinion, someone is doing this deliberately.

It used to be easy. Go to a coffee shop or wherever. Become a regular, get to know the other regulars, poof, you’re part of a social group.

Now the people just aren’t there. I’ll go to a coffee shop, or gallery, or park or whatever, and I’ll be the only one there. Maybe if it’s a place that serves food or drink, there’ll be a steady stream of take-out customers, but that’s it.

Nobody just hangs out anymore, nobody wants to meet anyone. Those who do are vocal enough, I guess, but they must make up a small minority because they’re nowhere to be found in real life.

Everyone takes their phone everywhere they go, and engages in constant conversation with an invisible stranger. If you try to start a conversation, you're interrupting.

s