I consider myself an introvert, prefering to spend time alone working on my hobbies, but I socialize easily and can speak to anyone and everyone. I will often chat with the people in line at check out, salespeople, etc. i have one friend who knows me pretty well since we had been friends for 45 years, but she lives 3-1/2 hrs away. So we text and talk almost everyday.
What is interesting is that my parents and in-laws had a wide circle of friends who would get together weekly if not more often and were constantly on the phone with each other. But my parents and in-laws and their friends all lived in the same areas/neighborhoods, belonged to the same churches and organizations, and quite frankly, were not all that involved in their children's lives as parents are today. Their children went to the same schools, families vacationed together, attended each other big events as families with no excuses of a sports game, recital, etc. Not so nowadays.
Families today rarely live in the same state, city, neighborhood for 50 to 60 years. Many women with kids work full time, rarely having anytime for anyone but family and kids activities. Everyone is in a rush and can't slow down to make any meaningful friendships.
Since I was a SAHM with my DD lots of moms became my friends since I was the flexible one who could watch their kids on a moments notice, but they did not want anything else from the friendship. When I went back to work part time none of these friends were willing to help out when I needed help. They were more interested in their own agenda.
My DH used to travel all over the world when we first married, so socializing with other couples really did not work for us. When we lived in another state 20 years ago we had a circle of friends (couples) that we socialized with, but since moving to our present location we have not been so lucky and we are ok with that. We have neighbors who have lived here for 50+ years and have the same social life my parents did. Then there are the younger ones who are all wrapped up in their jobs and families.
Oh and yes, I have a dog and while it helps with the socialization of both you and pet ( it can also invite some creeps which I avidly avoid), but I cannot find anything in common other than the dog which would make me forge any new friendships. I am happy with the way things are right now.