Discussions

My suggestion is to get over the "I don't talk to strangers" because nobody is going to magically appear at your door and meet you. (Well maybe solicitors will)  
 
You don't do online dating and you won't talk to people. The odds are not in your favour for finding a partner.  
 
Either talk to a professional or become at peace with being single.  
 
And just curious but why do you think you need to meet someone?

If you don’t get out and socialize you won’t meet anyone. Go out, do things, volunteer etc. Go to the bar ha ha. That’s where I met my husband many years ago.

Try Tinder or POF or Bumble

What types of activities do you like to do? Is there anything that you would like to try?  
 
Do an activity & stick with it for a while. Your focus should be on the activity/activities and getting to know the participants as peers/friends, not potential dates initially...let that idea go for now. I find "the hunt" makes people act odd & stressed (they are not themselves) and that is not helpful nor attractive. So, relax and focus on learning & having fun. That is attractive.  
 
You will get to know people who are not all the negative things you mentioned...and they will know others who aren't that too. It will expand your search circle quite easily without you having to hit any of the dating traps. I would think this is the easiest & least intimidating way to meet people who would match who you are.  
 
I actually know some single men who are around that age that are none of the negative things that you mentioned. In fact, they are terrific people and each would be a catch. They do exist!

I am in a similar boat to you. 47 year old male introvert.  
 
Don'y know about Tinder or but POF has it's share of scammers but a few really good folks as well. Maybe just a little hard to find. Sounds like you have the right attitude that a relationship is a want and not a need.  
 
As for the suggestions to put yourself out there: I think all introverts can benefit from that a little but people make it sound much easier than it is and I am not too sure that a significant change to your personality is the best way to enter into a relationship. Just my take.  
 
Shoot me a PM if you like.

I think just a soul and flutter fly have it right. Just be yourself and get into something you really enjoy. Worst case scenario you find new friends that like the same stuff as you. Maybe they have a friend that’s perfect for you or will introduce you to a new group of people. There is no perfect solution but the more you are out and about, the better the odds are of finding someone.  
 
I know online dating can be frustrating and you need to filter through the garbage a bit. It’s not all bad as it worked out for me and has worked out for other people I know.  
 
Just have fun and be yourself. I am an introvert and my husband is an extrovert. We balance each other out. Never change who you are. If they are a good fit.......it works itself out........always. Be patient and keep busy. Before you know it......you get a keeper lol

Have you ever paid for online dating? Something like eharmony? I used to date online and I found there were more sincere people on the paid sites. The people who are paying are taking it more seriously.

Looking...Usually will just happen

As we as humans always think that the grass is always greener, I have always, and will always tell my children "it is better to be alone than stuck with someone who you hate, or worse, hates you".... that being said, we all do crave human connection, we all just have to be careful that we don't crave it to the point of our own destruction .

Why not become at peace, then work on being open to meeting people?

From what I’ve experienced..... trying to date in this city is a complete waste of time..... nobody is perfect.... but people damn sure look for someone who is..... it’s not worth the thought or the effort to put yourself out there just to be forgotten or ignored

I think Facebook has started offering dating services. Back when I was single, I always hoped they'd do this, so that I could find singles based on mutual friends, and ask around a bit before reaching out to an individual. Open your Facebook app, and click on the three lines in the bottom right corner. Then scroll to the bottom and click on "Dating".  
 
I met my boyfriend in real life at his work, but that was after being single for two years. All the dudes I met online - we just didn't have that "spark" or my gut told me something wasn't right. I had accepted that I could be single forever, and I was fine with that. Once you find peace as a single person, it's way easier to find the right mate.

Sherbear suggested that Adam launch a dating site as part of eBrandon to counter "some of the shady type sites". Hate to sound like a doubting Thomas, but I don't think it matters who creates/administers a dating site, it won't stop people from creating fake profiles/married men/women looking for some action on the side/gold diggers looking for someone to supply their spending habit etc. Even in the physical realm, people still have to use their best instincts to avoid the scammers and low lifes of this city.

There IS a Facebook group for Brandon and area singles to meet and network. In the time since its inception, I question how successful it's really been based upon the turn out at the various nights. Considering that there are probably 150+ members in the group and the average response for these events is maybe a half dozen, it really doesn't say much about the level of interest. Personally, unless something is held on a weekend/ Fri night, I really am not interested because I get up at 4:30 every morning. Also why I don't join various clubs/organizations because I'd rather not commit my time.