Summarize:

Rejection is always a possibility when you put yourself out there. You will not like everyone you meet and vice versa.  If rejection happens, have a healthy outlook. A person may decline your invitation for many reasons.  A person may be too busy to hang out or have prior commitments. If someone does reject you, it is not because something is wrong with you.  Maybe the two of you were not a good fit. Be proud of yourself for trying to make friends and try to learn something from the experience. Keep trying to befriend the same acquaintance. Try to make plans with someone a couple of times before giving up.. The only time you should give up sooner is if you're given a clear indication that your goodwill isn't wanted. Keep trying to make friends with other people. Even if one person rejects your friendship completely, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. After you've given up on one person, continue trying to make friends out of your other acquaintances. Making new friends is exciting and scary at the same time. Try different strategies to meet new people. The hardest part is actually going to that first group meeting and getting out of the house. It is okay to be nervous, just push through your feelings and go.. There will be times when you look silly, are embarrassed, or feel awkward.  Some interactions will go really well and others will not.  All of that is perfectly fine, and it is not a big deal. Social media is great in a lot of ways, but oftentimes, it acts as a crutch that prevents people from pushing themselves into real life social situations. When you feel lonely, turn off your computer and head out, call up a friend, or try to meet with an acquaintance. You must get out of the house to meet people and form friendships. Social media websites offer the greatest benefit when they keep you more connected to your friends. If your social media accounts only give you an excuse to avoid real, meaningful contact with people, they're doing more harm than good. Forming friendships is a process. Both you and the other person must put in time and effort. It usually takes 6 to 8 significant interactions for people to come friends, and it may take years before you feel as if you can really confide in another person. Most adults have a fairly small social circle. Even when you've had some success, you may only be close with two or three different friends.  You may have different friends to meet different needs in your life.  Some friends are for regular happy hour or lunches, while you may go hiking with another friend. Working on a couple of close friendships or gathering a huge circle of casual friends are both options. Do whatever makes you happy. Keep in touch with your old friends and continually work on your relationship with any new friends you make. If you have hung out with someone and had a good time, invite them out again and keep in touch.  Some friendships will take more time to grow than others.  Some of your new friendships may start out great and then burn out.  This is completely normal. Try to schedule regular times to meet with your friends. If both of you are able to meet each Friday for an hour, go for it. For friends who are a bit busier, set aside at least one regular time to meet each month, like each second Sunday afternoon or every third Thursday evening.
Try not to take rejection personally. Be brave. Stop soothing yourself with social media. Maintain a realistic attitude. Value your friends.