If you don't already have a passel of friends by the time you are my age, the chances of finding some are slim and none.

I can really identify with your comments. If you lived in my neighborhood I would want to hang out with you.

I tend towards introversion and do not circulate much in social circles. My current family circumstances and my job limit the free time that I have to meet other people. When things start to open up for me I plan to make a concerted effort to mingle. I am thinking about book clubs, atheist groups, and groups involved in the hobbies that interest me.

I have a hand full of good life long friends. One of them is the quintessential social butterfly. You see often his photo in home town newspaper and you are sure to bump into him at most parties around these parts. He once gave me advice for meeting women; "knock on enough doors and someone will eventually answer, the more doors you knock on the better your odds." Seems mathematically obvious doesn't it?

So my plan is to mingle and rub elbows with a as many people as my circumstances permit. I imagine that even though folks like me are in the minority, if I meet enough people I will find some kindred spirits.

I did have one stroke of good luck meeting someone on the internet. Years ago on a guitar forum I noticed one guy lived near to me. We agreed to meet up at music store (to alleviate fears of meeting up with ax murderers on the internet). Long story short we have become the best of friends and we also sing and play guitar together in a duo. We have played quite a few gigs and even have taken several road trips together. We practice at least once a week or so and I consider him to be my closest friend.

Keep looking AM, when you stop looking you will be sure to not find anything.