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One of my problems is that I think I have a friend. We have great fun together and seem to match, but eventually I realize I'm initiating all contact.

So I stop initiating and wait for the signal that they want to hang out.

Crickets.

I do plan to join a photography club although most everyone is older married couples. Still, nice folk, and a hobby I find joy in.

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What about them not initiating contact is a negative? I can see why that'd be interpreted as a negative, but does it make sense for that person?

I know that I do a poor job of initiating hanging out but if I'm ever invited somewhere, I say yes 9/10 times. I like to do stuff but 1) I don't know what to suggest to do with others or 2) I want to suggest something however I am worried it'll be a negative experience and therefore I don't send out the invite at all.

Well in one case, it was a neighbor. We had some great chats over beers, lots of laughs. Knocked on his door several times and enjoyed the visits. I also emailed him to initiate contact. We had some interests in common.

But he never initiated, not once. Never offered his number, never emailed me to see what's up after I moved a few miles away.

I think that combined with him being from the South, where I understand people can be extremely polite in not being your friend--I just figured he was politely saying No Thanks.

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