I actually had a lot of "friends" in that I played tennis w/them, went to their parties, etc. Nothing real close as I have bipolar & didn't want anyone to know. But then 3 yrs. ago I had a suicide attempt & since then I isolate myself so much. I don't feel "normal" as in normal people don't do things like that or are on all these meds. I also have a loving, supportive husband--though we have our issues, as well. He's probably the only friend I have--besides my grown children who are wonderfully supportive.

BUT one thing I did find that helped me was to take CLASSES. Like knitting or computer or a women's exercise "boot camp" at 5:30 a.m. (yep, in the morning, 4 days a week) at a local park. That way I don't feel quite on the spot. There is something to take about--like how to fix a dropped stitch or what project are you working on; or ask the person sitting next to you how to do the thing on the computer that you don't understand & boot camp--it's DARK & we are all cheering each other on as we try to breath while the sadistic instructor makes us do more lunges or lift the kettle balls again, etc. Actually, he is very nice as I am out of shape, have back issues so he gives me modifications, etc.

Also, joined a book discussion group at a library (not the one in our town as our town is REALLY snobby!! Only bought a house here as we moved from Calif. & houses are so much more expensive there so had to put the money back into a house--plus the public schools are good--except for the snobby rich kids!!!).

Also, do volunteer work for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Do you play bridge? Join a hiking or running group? Cooking classes (they are expensive here; would like to do them but cost too much).

Adult Ed. has so many options--dancing (um, not me! too uncoordinated), but writing classes (journals to novels to screenplays), language classes, flower arranging, decorating, gardening, drawing--everything--and cheap, too.

I do individual therapy & dialectical behavioral therapy & the therapist (same for both) helps us to see how we present ourselves.

But I can even feel "weird" & like people are looking at me funny at the grocery store so my advice may not be the best!