@Discombobulated - thank you for your kind and very encouraging comments. I think your advice is as good as any I'm likely to get from anywhere. It comes down to a matter of doing it. My life has been lived in such a way that I don't travel in circles where I meet anyone I share interests with to much of an extent. But that's me making excuses. Congenial companionship isn't going to show up at my door and ring my bell. It is up to me to make a move and not assume I know what it will lead to. That's how I talk myself out of doing anything constructive.

In fairness to myself, though, my pessimism didn't come down out of the blue. Just recently, I traveled a long distance to visit family. I left with cheerful expectations. My visit was kind of a flop. My family has a long history of tortured relationships. Before taking my trip, I had even attended Al-Anon meetings to try and bolster my awareness of how careful you have to be when you socialize around volatile, emotionally damaged people, and alcohol is flowing. I found a small group. I was forthcoming with my concerns and shared my history of being around both problem drinkers and severe alcoholics. Well, on my visit, I failed to be careful enough. I got irritated. I managed to irritate others. Unhappy drama ensued. I wish I had never gone. People were still nursing grievances from years past. I'm still shook up over it.

I know I have to put that behind me. Sometimes, close family is the last place you should go, looking for warmth and acceptance. In the past, I had better luck with extended family, but death has taken my favorites in recent years. I just have to get over all of that.

It also disappointed me that I didn't find anyone to talk to at the Al-Anon group. I'm breaking down bad just from writing this. I have to put stuff behind me. When something doesn't work out, you have to move on and try something else. I keep telling myself that.

I have to try more things and not assume I'll just be disappointed.

I appreciate the responses to my thread.

I will pick something soon and do it. Terribly hot weather is sapping my energy. I will resolve to do something.