I work from home and moved to a rural area recently. I need to know how to make friends.?

what ever you do just be your self. Don't try to be who you think they want you to be. because you life is about you, not them.

<sigh> You "try" to smile whenever you go out? You mean you don't smile generally? Well, that's a start. You need to be able to smile a lot and let it look natural.

I was a volunteer working bingo recently and a lady from the church commented to my mother how I am always smiling, even as I was hurring to do something, I was smiling and when I caught someone's eye then I really smiled wide and seemed so happy. People can just tell if you are a happy person sometimes.

Did you introduce yourself to neighbors when you moved into the neighborhood? Usually they're supposed to introduce themselves to you and maybe even bring a small housewarming gift like home-made cookies but there's no rule that says you can't take them cookies for Thanksgiving and introduce yourself.

Volunteer. I have waaaaaaaay too many acquaintances. I make friends very easily. But I also volunteer to work at community events. I was at the Renaissance Faire working as a volunteer last weekend. The week before that, I was working on a friend's campaign. Several nights in October, I was working church bingo for people who needed the night off. First week of Dec., I'll work the domestic violence shelter's annual bazaar.

I could go on and on with suggestions but this gives you a start.

If I were you, I would join myspace.com or friendster.com and try to meet people that way. You will be surprised how many people are in your same situation.

ask if you can join a church, be friendly to people, volunteer to do things for public service... Just be open and friendly, and you will get noticed.

you can go to the same bar or restaurant for awhile and ask for the same server and just chit chat eventually youll get to know each other

Walk around nekid in our front yard, smile and wave at the neighbors