I believe many of us, self included, need to relearn the basics of social interaction. When I was young, I would strike up a conversation with anyone at any time. Later I would when drinking, but that came with other issues. Now, I have realized that I never speak to anyone at the gym, or other settings. I have a wonderful husband, so I’m not truly lonely, but I miss having friends to pal around with or just shoot the breeze. I’m at the age where many of my old friends have died, or now live far away. Let us know if you find success on CL or other approaches. Good luck

Not an problem finding people to meet the issue is people are so full of fear and mistrust so no interest in making platonic connection can be found

I want a like minded person not a like interest person. Been to like interest events to no avail I've been told "you'll talk to a rock" meaning There isn't one form of humanity that I won't connect with. I have no problem with meeting others it's just that me background is so diverse people tend to be unable to keep up. Not to mention how people can be unwilling to give of themselves in hope of uplifting others versus commiting to push to bring the best out of others first. Where are the non-critical, the motivators, the elevators?

The problem for me, I lost my best friend at 29 (I'm 60 now) and have been in search of a similarity to no avail (on and off-line)

Too bad you're not in NYC.

I try very hard to get off line. You can't find anyone from behind a computer. Start doing the activities. And the people of like interest will already be there.

I understand but you can't let that deter you from smiling and being receptive to them.