This is going to sound so twee and awful, but it worked for me
I stopped dwelling what I had missing from my life and started filling it with stuff I wanted to do
The wonderful thing about being single is - no one to please but yourself
So I went out for Sunday lunch - alone . Was daunting the first few times but then smart phones became the norm and a flick through face book between courses helped
I started going to the cinema , esp to see NTL productions , I could pick what I wanted to watch, and really emerge myself
I am a solitary person , I loved being single ( now married ) and I miss the solitude ( Ive coping mechanisms in place for having to live as a couple ) of being single
It is hard taking that first step to socialising as a single , but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I also learned to smile and talk to everyone I met - a check out operator - good morning, how are you today? Been busy? Idle chit chat BUT eventually you get to know names, you get a hiya how's you today, you get waved at in the street , the bus driver - everyone I come across I say hello how's things or similar , and you do get chit chat back
You have days off from work - get out there - use them. Try something different , have a look on the community forums for your area and see what's happening. Knit and natter? so what you cant knit, buy a pair of needles or a hook and a ball of yarn and turn up - you are there for the natter - someone will teach you how to knit . Dont fancy a C25K ? have a look at where the local walks are - usually a gentle 5k and coffee and cake
There's a load of lonely people out there , those that want to change it get out there and join in whatever is available . I never knew I would become a serious walker when I decided to make up numbers to help a charity by doing a fun run , now I hike mountains and am planning a Camino
Book a spa weekend , or a day spa . Take a bus or train to a different town , walk in and buy coffee, go into a restaurant and order and eat a meal. Go to a bar and enjoy a cocktail . Go to a table quiz, to an open mic - There's just so much out there , you just need to grab the bull by the horns and get out there and try it
I do have medicated severe anxiety but it's worse with the less interaction I have with other people. I force myself sometimes as I know when Im beginning to isolate and withdraw and I know how low that takes me