Hi Novice, I totally understand your feelings. I left with my husband but lost all my family and friends like you. I have recently joined a Meetup group online. Just google it if you don't know what it is. We go to see plays and have meals out. There's also a book group within this Meetup.
I've found it brilliant because Meetup is basically designed for people who want to expand their social life. You can check out what the group's about and the age range. Join several if you like, you don't have to go to anything you don't fancy and no one will be like 'where were you' if you don't go as they are in the JWs. Try it.