[Juls]

Even when I used, I never had using friends. It has always been difficult for me to make friends, and I have come to accept that it is just some aspect of myself. On the other side of that though is that when I meet someone whom I can be friends with, it's almost like an instantaneous thing. It's hard to explain. I have experienced many painful times because of wanting to have friends, and feeling as though I didn't. Right now most of the friends I do have I've known for many years, I think the longest is 31 years, but over the years we've moved and so none of us live close.

My personal feeling is that if I can have even two or three really good and true friends during my life than that is a blessing. I think you know what I mean. Other can be casual friends and acquaintances, but I have been blessed to have the kind of friends I can really count on if there were ever something wrong and I needed them.

Eddies input is very good, and I had to learn that for myself too. That I could be happy just by myself without needing anyone. Then I didn't feel so desperate about having to have friends.

Joining something that you have an interest in like a class, yoga, karate, art, etc. can be a good way to meet people. I've heard the Sierra Club is a good way to meet people if you like hiking and the outdoors.

I hope you can make some contacts and that you do find that special someone.

Juls