Okay, I'll admit I didn't read all 3 pages of comments . . .

I'll just throw in that I too, do not have many if any close friends. 10 years ago I would have thought I was surrounded by close friends, BFF's, we would be friends FOREVER and into eternity! Ha. Become the center of a personal tragedy and you find out right-quick how good of friends you've really got.

I've tried being the "cruise director" as someone mentioned. I caught-on pretty fast that most people by now have all the friends they really want. I quit wasting my time.

But, I stayed active and fairly social--showing up to rides and trying new things and going mountain biking, running, etc. Some people started emerge repeatedly and I guess I would call them friends. We are starting to travel with two other families on occasion. We met through biking and discovered we all have kids about a similar age and we all like to bike (even the wives!!!!!). I had to chuckle one night around the campfire when one of the couples started talking about how they don't have friends. lol. We are perfect for each other. Friends . . . . and it has nearly taken a decade.

Sorry this is such a long post but this is a topic that I struggle with. I had always been surrounded by a "strong" group of female friends. To find myself suddenly very alone was quite a shock. My mom has an amazing support group of women that she has been friends with for 40 years. I just assumed I would have that same kind of community around me. I didn't realize how rare and precious a gift that is.

Anyway, I would say, just give it time. It's kind of like dating. You have to put yourself out there. Find groups and classes that are doing things you are interested in--you'll starting meeting people with common interests.