I'm going to be moving to a much smaller area in the coming months and have some similar concerns. Life in the dating app /social media world is very different from when I was last single and I'm not sure how well it will suit me.

There is a Planet Fitness gym in the new town that I plan to join to supplement my home gym set up .. but also as a way to get out and maybe meet new people. There are some adult education classes at the local college that interest me and might offer some chances as well.

Maybe those are some things you could consider as well.

im in the same boat and feel your pain. cliques are nearly impossible to become a part of.

Is there a gym close enough to you that you could join? Get a little exercise and possibly socialize a little while you’re at it. You’d feel so much better when exercising. Men may approach you there.

Meeting someone in your area might go better than you think. I see everyone offering ideas I had. I tend to find meeting people difficult, but I might try it. I have run into a lot of weirdness with people on here. I think a friendship is starting, and they start getting shady. In rl I'd get to see that faster. Anyway, good luck

I live in a small town aswell. My piece of advice is that you take things slowly and don't rush into a relationship in order to build genuine trust, detect potential red flags and ensure long term compability. There are many jerks out there and you have to be careful.

You need a reason to congregate in RL that is already in place here. You belong to this group. And its relatively safe.. So clearly you need to join a local (or internet) special interest group. A book club. Indoor rock climbing at the gym. Or stamp collecting. (Although I have heard that philately will get you nowhere).😷

Have you thought of joining a club, volunteering, being part of a church group? Not always easy if you’re a private person, but they have benefits.

I wondered much the same as I’m an ex caregiver, widowed and have really developed trust issues. My plan is to attend as many of like minded events as possible and try to make connections.

Small town or big city, living without companion or partner is not easy. It’s big adjustment in life. Sometimes just having someone to talk or chat is good too.

I have no friends. If I'm not working, I'm at home. My roommate is the only person I talk to outside of work.

I find myself in the same shoes. I'm between two big cities, but still nothing to do. Particularly when you take into account some health issues and determining what i can do and what I can't do anymore...

The reason is because you are afraid of failures ..whereas whenever you approach someone chances are bright you may get along ..try it

It is harder in person because the fear of rejection stares back at you in the other persons face.