I’ve been thinking about this for awhile. This article on Man Repeller and especially the comments, are interesting.

https://www.manrepeller.com/20.....-move.html

“I think that's part of the reason you often end up being so close with roommates/flatmates in university or in your twenties. It's not just about proximity, but the fact that you're more likely to be shopping for toilet paper or moving a fridge together rather than grabbing drinks. It's the tedious stuff which breeds intimacy.”

I have two very very close friends, and several friends with whom I am slightly less close. All of my friends have one thing in common: we all have a son the same age, and we were high school band parents together. We did really tedious things, as in the article: cleaned band uniforms and shoes, made lunches, acted as roadies, etc. This was every weekend for four years. These experiences really do bond you to other people.

I am an over 55 INFJ (Libra) and I'll admit it's tough to make and keep friends. I've never had a lot of friends throughout my life, but I have a number of acquaintances. Being with people who share my interests in the arts and activities like tennis and kayaking is an easy way to make new friends. I try to connect with other introverts because I know they love to talk at lenghth about their passions. Although it's not natural for me, I try to first share a bit about my real self, but at the same time, I am very cautious about how I proceed.

A move at 70 years really brought this problem into focus. I have joined smaller groups at church (like Bible studies) and belong to a PEO women’s group that has many women my age with a wide variety of interests. There is sure to be a garden club or even a community garden where you can volunteer and meet other gardeners. Your church probably has a grounds group that works on the plantings or your housing subdivision.

INTJ Pisces reporting in. While in the workforce I managed to crawl towards extroversion, but now I’m firmly back on the introvert side. i’ve also always been shy. Entertaining anyone other than close friends is terrifying for me.

We spend much of our time in a small town where people are very friendly. I really enjoy quick conversations with passers by.

My current issue is with people who are trying to be friends. Unfortunately at my age of 72, I find myself being very selective . Just recently we attended a concert with friends. I go to listen to the music, they apparently go to engage in conversation. Others text constantly. One couple still does massively complicated entertaining, and are clearly disappointed when we don’t reciprocate. I tell people I’ve hung up my dinner party apron, but that gets ignored.

I know the qualities I ‘d like in new friends, I just haven’t found them yet.

In the meantime I’m incredibly lucky to have a husband who understands me, and that I enjoy alone time.

Walking a dog can have possibilities.

Hey. Maybe there’s a horticultural society or club... albeit, has to be said the local one here, everyone has watched Downton Abbey waaaayyy too many times. And for some unfathomable reason, there was Scottish country folk dancing at the plant sale...