Take some classes at your local community college or join a local church. Then you can meet new people in a safe setting. The church can give you a safety net. I had a major problem with my house a few years ago, and people from the church came and fixed it for me for free. Now that we're in a better position, we try to help others.

Another thing you can do is find a good local restaurant and go at least two or three times a week. The waitresses will get to know you. We go to one here, and I give the waitresses twice the tips I used to. They know us and have our usual order memorized. We ate breakfast there this morning and didn't have to tell the girl our order.

If your father is gone, you're the adult now. Take control.

Help others. Others help you. You have a safety net.