Just looking for support

It's been nearly 6 months since I left the narc. Every day gets a little easier. My main issue is that I am feeling lonely. My best friend works with him, and she has spoken to me in months. In fact, she has canceled our plans numerous times. I know he has told her some lie that is upsetting her, but she won't say what it is. Before I met him, I had plans every weekend with friends, many activities and a very full rich life. Now, there is almost no one around. My closest friend lives 1500 miles away and dealing with her own narc, unfortunately. Mom mother is great support, but is also 1500 miles away. The main person I can rely on, is my ex husband. We are not close by any means, but we do get along. If you read any of my story, you know the narc tried to sabotage other friendships. Tried to convince another friend that I had something going with her husband (not true). She and I have worked things out, but we only hang out socially once every month or two and she no longer includes me in activities. I have found myself very alone. The weekends are very difficult. The only other friend I have in this area, recently had twins and has been quite busy.

There are two guys interested in dating, but I'm not anywhere near ready for that. One of them already is showing red flags (crossing boundaries and asking sexual questions, and we haven't even been on a date yet!), so I'm avoiding him like the plague. The other, I made it clear I am only looking for friendship.

I have 10 different work locations, and occasionally meet women I am interested in getting to know better, but nothing has developed. The bottom line is that I need to make more friends. The struggle is where or how to find them!! I'm good at entertaining myself, and have always been someone that needs significant alone time, but this is overkill.

So far, I've tried Meetup.com for groups with similar interests, taken classes in hopes to meet people with similar interests, go to all social events and parties that I get invited to, and get out of the house as often as possible (even going out to dinner by myself). Next week is my birthday. It will be the first time in my life that I have no plans and nothing to do. Ugh.

I am looking forward to a trip home in August to see my mom, dad, and sister. My closest friend lives in the same town and two other friends are making the drive to see me while I am there. I have other friends in various areas of the country that I keep in touch by phone It's just no the same as having friends where you live.

Anyone else struggling with this? How do you handle it? What have you done that has helped to build new friendships?

Lately, my son who is 5, has been asking more and more for the narc. That doesn't help. Especially, when I am finally getting to a place where he is no longer on my mind, then BAM, my son brings him up again. It can be out of the blue, or if he sees a vehicle like the narc used to drive.