We are social animals and we do need companionship. Over the years I discovered ways to develope relationships. I'll tailor them to someone who is not going to have a wife/husband by their side.
Instead of thinking in terms of friendships think in terms of commonality. If you have something in common it's easier to enjoy some level of companionship on a regular basis. For instance I play chess once a week at my local library and or the coffe shop. A number of people I play with have become friends. It's a slow and casual process but we had a common purpose (to improve our game and kick one anothers butts). Meeting once a week provides an opportunity to get to know one another. Bowling with a group accomplishes the same thing. Swimming laps doesn't.
I do volunteer work but it was only when I was asked to be on the board did I have the opportunity to really get to know the others. Shared work and shared responsibilites created opportunites for friendships to develop.
I noticed that my wife enjoyed lunch with her girlfriends, one day I kidded her that I was never invited. She counted that if I wanted lunch partners call some guys. I thought about it and did so. A friend accepted and we had lunch, the conversation was great and a few lunchs later I invited another friend from the chess group and that worked out well. We talk about books, movies a little bit of current events..... the conversation goes where it goes. When I discovered this site I told them about ex witnesses and what my experience was like. They were agast at what it's like to be a JW.
So look for something that you would like to do or be a part of that other people are interested in and where there are opportunites to meet together on a more or less regular basis. Or buy a Harley Davidson and you'll have instant friends LOL.