Lonely - maybe there's something wrong with me?

[wigglerose]

That's it really. I don't know if I'm just a cow or if I haven't found 'my people' if you see what I mean? I've tried joining various groups over the years. I joined a conservation group to meet people, but the members were all retired blokes in their 60s who were lovely, but not exactly what I was looking for in friendships as a woman in her thirties .
I've tried joining meetup and city socialiser but never really clicked with anyone or any group. The few groups I did like were a chew on to go to because they were all in the next city over (a 40 minute drive or hour + on public transport)
I started a book club in my village to meet people, but ended up leaving due to village politics - the parish council got into the group and slowly it was less about reading books and more about doing cupcakes for the village show and attending parish council meetings and I couldn't stand the drama any more.
I have just applied to volunteer with a charity so fingers crossed it will fill my time at least.
I have a few friends, but don't feel very close to them and if they're busy I've got nothing to do so just sit here feeling glum.
I'm friendly with everyone I meet, but I don't get how some people just sail through life picking up friends and I never seem to click with anyone.

Feel exactly the same. Longest conversation I have these days is with the person on the till in the supermarket.

Don't knock the retired blokes in their 60s! Friendships can come in many guises - don't set your sights that they should fit a certain mould.

Tell me about it. I've recently realised I'm an extrovert, being around people makes me feel energised and fulfilled. I hate being on my own so much. Yet I can't seem to make friends. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.

I am exactly the same. I can't seem to make friends, or friends who have similar interests to me. I'm an extrovert too, so I find it really tough going.

I've run out of ideas, so can't help, just offering solidarity to a fellow lonely extrovert!

Have you tried volunteering as a "my guide "

' if they're busy I've got nothing to do so just sit here feeling glum.' Here's your problem. Extrovert or not, we all need to reconcile with being ok on our own, we can't rely on other people to 'relieve' this for us, otherwise we end up feeling exactly as you describe here. Enjoy being on your own first, and the rest will feel less like a desperate search for company.

Remember the blokes in their 60s have sons in their 30s....just sayin"