My thoughts about hanging out at the liquor store is that you'll encounter drinkers there - maybe even problem drinkers - I could see that being a problem.
If you were there to buy liquor you're already waist deep in a problem anyway.
As for popularity - you were observing the fact that people weren't responding to you in the numbers you see other members getting, and I simply suggested reasons for that that had nothing to do with popularity.
If you allowed yourself to be used and abused thats sad - but it would be even sadder if those events in the past kept you from making friends today.
You are entitled to happiness joy and a few friends the same as anyone else John. Maybe it's time to drop the baggage of the past?
D