Don't be afraid to tell everyone you know that you are interested in meeting someone. Most people delight in helping love make the world go round. Another way of looking at dating is that it is akin to going through the apple barrel. Toss out the rotten ones right away and take a second look at the rest. Whatever you feel, false pride is pretty useless.
Many people try to hide their loneliness.
In my experience, most people are ready willing and able to make relationship concessions when they acknowledge feeling lonely. On the other hand, don't let loneliness drive you to desperation. You are worth getting what you want. Wait and don't settle for meager pickings just because your bed seems cold at night. All potential princes and princesses possess warts.