As for meeting people, most people are lonely on one level or another. If you can genuinely just say hello to random people, you'll be networking and getting to know people in no time. If it's at a social scene, or a public place, just look for someone sitting or standing by themselves, and ask if they would mind some company. In my experience, over 50% of people say yes. (If they don't, then move on to the next person.) You can combine this with walking for socialization and exercise. Along the same lines, if you are comfortable learning dancing, look for a ballroom/latin/swing with lessons that swap partners. (Every one was a beginner at some point, these places tend to keep people remembering that and therefore happy to help others learn.)
If you tend to be an introvert, then just take more time asking good questions, let them talk, and then expand upon the mutual interests. Most of my friends wouldn't know I tested on the introverted side on Myers Briggs. (I've moved towards the middle since high school, mostly because I like taking this approach to life so the answers as to what I'd do have actually changed.)
Good luck. If you throw out your location, you might be able to make some local connections through here.
I always feel a bit somber when I read advice along the lines of what DBM posted, in that the experience in your life are what define you and you want to live a life you can tell stories about and not one you can sleep through. The feeling of somberness comes from knowing that, thus far, I've really led a life most COULD sleep through. I don't tip the scales of introversion, but I'm not far off.
I'm commenting here because I think you've given good advice on ways to slowly step away from this and these are things I've been putting into practice when I can. I'm more confident in engaging in small talk with people now, but it's typically someone I'm forced to interact with (hair stylist, waiter/waitress, mechanic, etc). I really need to take it a step further and target people outside of that comfort zone. I specifically like your idea of targeting other people standing alone, regardless of whether or not I have the confidence to do so - it's good advice.
Thanks that seems like good advice. I am living in Pittsburgh with my girlfriend so I am not entirely alone. However, she is busy with graduate school and I am severely lacking in the friends department.
I'm on the other side of the state, so close but not quite. I'll send this thread to one of my college friends in that area, and she can decide where to go from there.
If you tend to be an introvert, then just take more time asking good questions, let them talk, and then expand upon the mutual interests. Most of my friends wouldn't know I tested on the introverted side on Myers Briggs. (I've moved towards the middle since high school, mostly because I like taking this approach to life so the answers as to what I'd do have actually changed.)
Good luck. If you throw out your location, you might be able to make some local connections through here.