I guess the first step I would take would be to figure out my interests. The best place to find friends are others that share a similar interest, & enjoyments. I have many different interests & different people that are friends in each area.

When I was showing my dogs, I socialized with others that showed. When I was playing my flute professionally, I socialized with other musicians. When I was working as an engineer, I got involved in the management club & socialized with those people. I enjoyed ballroom dancing & joined the club at work....then I started taking private lessons I socialized with other who enjoyed dancing. I loved playing racquettball....I set up lunchtime games with the people I worked with & then competed in tournaments along with joining a racquettball club where I met many people to enjoy sports with.....now I am training in dressage horse riding.....there are clubs all over that meet monthly & then we have show days & social events also. I found that the best basis for friends are my interests......& initially the people are just acquaintences.....but those are the people who grow into friendships as you get to know each other.

Your question is not dumb at all.....it is a question that is asked all the time....you are not unusual. Just remember that common interests provide common subjects to talk about & finding groups with common interests will provide you with the people to draw from. It does take some digging to find groups but is the first step in locating people who may be possible friends.

I hope this has made a little sense,
Debbie