I'm not qualified to offer advice on this, because it isn't something I ever,,, 'Strived for.'
Don't get me wrong. If it's a 'Party' or even a 'One Night/Few Dates' type thing, sure, I've done this (With mixed results, which are to be expected from engaging in such shallow emotional adventures).
For long term? I just,,, got lucky? Crossed Paths with the right person/people, and something *CLICKED.* Hardly something I can talk strategy about, yeah.
I've been a 'Gypsy spirit' type person all this life. I never wanted children, which instantly erased a huge percentage of male partner candidates off the proverbial plate (Most Men DO want children, and those who don't lack any sense of endurance/long-term-commitment goals, which brings me right back to square 'One').
Here's what I feel safe suggesting-

What is YOUR personality like, and go there, do THAT. Keep your radar/attention properly tuned, stay civil, polite, and yes, I'll say it outright: Courteous/Gallant. Any woman/partner WORTH your time, energy, life seconds invested, will appreciate this (And it will quickly weed out those who do not, via their negative reactions).

Hobbies are a great way to meet folks of like mindedness. You said you don't prefer large groups/gatherings (I can relate), so you'll have to adjust your tactics accordingly, but the world is a damned large place, so options exist!

With that, all I can say is- I wish you ALL the very best in your endeavors!!!

Same but 32 been married for 8yrs got divorced she was abusive and cheated on me with 3 guys and is getting married to the third lol so dating is really hard and I feel the same way I don't like crowds and I've also heard those 2 options

That's another thing that scares me, having witnessed several nasty divorces. Sorry you had to go through that.

Best of luck, in a similar boat myself and it seems like your options are cold approach or hang around a place where you can get to know someone.

Wish you luck there!

Would say, if you have some, appreciate your friends. Those (if fortunate enough to have such) you feel you can trust, talk with, and possibly even appreciate some of your art.

Tried volunteering somewhere maybe? A historical site, possibly a museum, collection, maybe an animal sanctuary? There could be chances to stumble upon similarly minded people to possibly make friendships with.

Having poor luck here, but still having connections from my homecountry which I left five years ago. Cultural difference it seems. Volunteering still helps, even here, to not feel that hopelessly alone. Trying other things, but seems like this post-Covid world cranked volume up to eleven and I just get drowned in the noise.

That guy's advice sounds very shallow and only seems good for starting a very shallow relationship. I highly disagree that those are the only places that work. Jubatian has some good suggestions. Also going to places like furry/geek conventions where there's lots of people with similar interests is a great way to meet new people that you'll connect with more, single or otherwise. My relationship started with friendship.

Best of luck! ^^

Well, try finding a hobby or small community group and join it. Also i know that this maybe odd to hear but, church is a good place to find someone. That is how my mother got married.

It feels like Christians glorify marriage; I even caught myself thinking, Who the heck glorifies singleness? Between the church and the world, it's hard to know whether you're on your head or your painted tail (Kipling).

It sucks that nobody wants to divulge the secrets of being content the way you are, but there it is. Maybe we ought to try Buddhism or somethin'.