Starting small sounds like a great idea. I also find that it can take a lot of energy to manage friendships. In addition to figuring out what we want other people to give us, we also have to make sure that we are giving them what they need.

I'm at a point where I'd rather have activity partners than friends-- it's less emotional energy to think of it as meeting up with person X for a walk and person Y to see a movie. I like your idea of finding people to share a laugh and good conversation.