How to minimize being a loner?

I am a loner also. I found myself almost becoming a recluse. I had to get myself out of it. I found a church to attend and began to meet people there. That led to finding people that had some of the same interests that I had and made myself join some of the groups, like a reading club, a scrapbooking club, a horseback riding club. I can tell you it changed my life. Now I have made some really good friends and I am always off to do something or being invited to parties. It made me totally rethink my life and I find that my whole outlook has changed. Good Luck and I hope you find your answer because interaction with people is fun. I have met people from all over the world and I am Happy.