Hey, sorry it took me so long to respond.

I mostly meant the whole rejection/people being mean about it thing.

I get where you're at, I'm 40ish and had the same problems a few years ago. Please don't try where they work, that's not cool, but other than that ... why not, as long as a no is cool.

I used bumble at the time but ultimately the person I'm with now was someone I already knew. I don't believe in apps, but it's a way to get a feel for someone else, filtering out anyone who doesn't want to meet someone at all.

I think meeting through hobbies (I think library or bookstore are kinda okay, particularly if you have a recommendation for the book they're looking at) is the way to get to know someone, but whatever you try, I wish you good luck!