DEAR ABBY: I'm a 38-year-old woman who has moved around my whole life. Because of this, I have no childhood friends who have carried over to adulthood. I am friendless and lonely for companionship. I have a husband and a son, but I long for a female friend I can chat with, shop with or just sit with and be around.
I have tried meeting new people at the park with my son, and I felt like I hit it off with a few people, but they all (at this age) already have dear friends and don't seem interested in changing their circles. Am I destined to be lonely? -- JUST ME IN TENNESSEE
DEAR JUST ME: I don't know how much free time you have on your hands, but you need to meet more people than the women at the park. If you have become isolated waiting for someone to rescue you from your loneliness, please understand that the cure for loneliness is to do something.
Volunteer at a school, museum, hospital, library or food bank. Join a garden club, bridge club or book club. Look around and see if you can find any other lonely people and turn them into friends. If you pick up the phone, you will find it rings on both ends.