Up late browsing after posting about my own problems, I can't sleep :(
None of you are alone. I came out of an 11 year relationship 2 years ago. I'm 31.
I do have some family near by, and I think stereotypically I look to have lots of friends etc. I'm confident and as I work in sales and social media I am always talking to people, but I still feel weird in the evenings when my kids are in bed, or when they use to stay overnight at their dad's.
My tips would be - join some Facebook groups. Not just parenting ones. Make up, goid, fitness, wildlife - whatever floats your boat. For dad's there are car groups, sport, music etc. And don't just join. Interact. None of us are alone. Loneliness is a massive issue in the UK but people seem embarrassed to talk about it.... I'm not!
In your local area join the library, visit the charity shop, if you don't work go to the jobcentre and ask if you can get help with childcare to volunteer.
Is there a hobby you enjoy? Look for others who enjoy it on YouTube! It's not just videos anymore, it's a community, scroll under the video and comment!
I know this will vary, but it may help someone - I live in a Cornish town and we have a community centre which has book clubs, dance, film nights, ladies nights etc. Go. Be brave.
Sorry if that all comes across pushy or I make it sound easy. I think I do take my confidence for granted, I don't know how it feels but out of the handful of true friends I have a couple that struggle to get out there, make the first step etc.
Once you do it and meet a few others you will not only feel massively proud of yourself but you will begin to build a little network of like minded people that can help with the kids, go on a night out or just pop in for a coffee.
If anyone wants a facebook friend to chat random crap to send me a message :)