Dating sites are great, however they're not your only option. I suggest trying to expand your horizons in your community. Maybe volunteering, joining a local club (soccer, chess, bowling, book, not sure what your interests are), hosting BBQ socials where anyone is invited, and I don't know your religious views but even going to church for the social aspects. They may all seem extremely awkward at first and they probably will feel that way but the more people you meet, the more likely you'll meet someone who cares for you. One of my life philosophies about affection is that in order to feel affection, you first have to show affection. Another is that you have to try everything before you decide someone can make you feel happy. I've been lonely before however my dad is a great example of this. When my parents got divorces, he became seriously depressed. He decided to pick up a second job and was never really home. He didn't socialize with anyone really, watched a ton of movies and drank every night after work. I was in highschool at the time and my friends kind of looked after me while he was going through everything. I was fine, he was not. He was feeling sorry for himself and avoiding people. After a few years of this, he started communicating with some family friends from DC and he began going to the city to go contra dancing. He put himself out there. He danced and had fun, this led to him meeting people, which in turn led to him meeting single women. Online dating promotes the opposite of this, in a way it says that you can stay inside and avoid people but the you'll meet a great person. This is possible, but unlikely, I suggest developing a relationship with a community of people first and I think this will lead to more dating opportunities and feelings of appreciation and care.