I know the feeling. I have a real love/hate relationship with people because I've been burned so many times. Have you tried church or meetup.com? Meetup is a social networking site that features clubs you can join in your area based upon your interests. I go to a self esteem one now&it's pretty good. Otherwise I'd say make some more virtual friends until you're a little more comfortable in the waters of trying to make friends. Also, if there are community centers in your area for seniors-that might be a good place to go&meet people-I think you said you were retired. Best of luck&don't be scared, we all need friends.