Most of my friends married and moved on, had kids, etc. Our lives are so dramatically different that even if I reach out and try to reconnect, I'm still "that weird guy from school"- I can tell immediately when I see them.
The other friends are deceased. Those were the friends I expected would outlive me. I'd hear from them every year or two when they came back to town. That hasn't happened now for a few years, because they're all gone. They were better looking and more social than I was and they're no longer with us. Doesn't inspire confidence.
Making new friends feels impossible without lying and bullshitting about who I really am. Each new person I start to befreind says something insane/far right and it's instantly ruined.

Excluding family, nobody even remembered my birthday this year. No texts, no cards. If I weren't useful at my job I would be completely invisible.

I force myself out of my comfort circle every weekend and go to the big city. All I wind up achieving is a few hundred less dollars in the bank, with a bit of heartburn and a hangover in the morning.

Is there something anyone can recommend? I don't know if there's anything else to try.

My mental health is especially low today

do you chat with yourself in "saved messages" or flirt to a mirror, dissociated.

self talking apps

i dont say it's very efficient but if you have the liquid self and a trauma with avoidance, you try stuff.

Antar

https://antar.chat/

• realistic modern interface
• your personal private diary imbued with self-help culture baits, mass sold
• rich features
• mobile only
• all messages to the left, received

SelfCest

https://bunetj.github.io/selfcest-the-mirror-chat/

• basic.
• not perfectly modern or realistic interface
• can't sync and store properly
• not professional

any chatting app: saved messages

• may stuck without feedback. all messages are to the right, not recieved
• real interface
• tied to the internet connection. may get distracted by info flood.

edit the source code of web pages

• may stuck without feedback
• takes time, inconvenient
• real interface

ai chatbots of any type

• actually accompany or guide you
• accepting inappropriate topics
• confirms your biases. won't initiate something different unless prompted. encourages avoiding human resources.
• realistic chat interface
• won't process your hidden relational or emotional needs you can't prompt bc they're hidden and unsaid

record a podcast, make selfies

• may stuck without feedback. requires time to switch to the "other" state
• may take much time as an obsession of the false self
• unstable. may deplete and/or relieve.

address the audience and stop self-isolating or sth

• the real way.
• kind of a friction.

related reddit posts

https://www.reddit.com/r/lonely/comments/daj66h/fake_conversation_apps_to_feel_less_lonely/

https://www.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/5q2p5p/looking_for_an_app_to_talk_to_myself/

Thing are just so far away or things that I'm interested in doesn't exist. People don't exist here, just cars.

I don't have enough time to volunteer after work either.

It's just too difficult to meet people these days.

Just looking to having a message buddy on here (pin pal, if you will). Someone to have low stakes chats with. No pressure to be anything other than yourself. I know it would be fun to see the little message icon when I open to app and just have light conversations with any of you all. I’m open to all topics, doesn’t have to be light either if you want to dig into politics/world events. I like puzzles, volunteering, doing my best to raise a baby, comic book movies, video games (currently playing Factorio), watching the trees sway in the wind. What sorta things do you like?

I just always feel so tired and alone. It’s not a physical tired but a mental one. I think what I struggle with most is wanting people to be good to each other and be willing to spend their time and (if available) money to support their community. I enjoy doing these things but feel alone in that I struggle to find people that want to make it a part of their daily life and way of thinking. Meeting someone like that would help give me faith that maybe we’ll right this ship in the end.

Hey there, fellow forum friends! Welcome to this heartfelt discussion on a topic that hits close to home for many of us: loneliness. Life can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and feeling lonely is something that most of us have experienced at some point. But fear not! This forum is a safe space where we can come together, share our stories, and explore ways to find solace and connection, even in the midst of loneliness. So, grab a virtual cup of tea, pull up a virtual chair, and let's dive into this important conversation!

1. Defining Loneliness: Let's start by unraveling the essence of loneliness. It's not just about being physically alone; it runs much deeper than that. Loneliness is like an ache in our souls, a sense of disconnection that makes us question if anyone truly understands or cares about us. It doesn't discriminate based on age, gender, or social status—it can touch us all. Let's remember that feeling lonely is a completely normal human emotion, and we're here to support one another through it.

2. Exploring the Roots of Loneliness: Loneliness can have many underlying causes. It could stem from significant life changes, the loss of a loved one, moving to a new place, or even an over-reliance on technology for connection. By sharing our personal stories, we can begin to unravel the complex web of emotions that contribute to our own experiences of loneliness.

3. The Digital Dilemma: In today's digital age, social media plays a prominent role in our lives. While it can offer a sense of connection, it can also leave us feeling empty and disconnected. Let's dive into the impact of social media on our sense of loneliness. How do we navigate the virtual world while still nurturing genuine connections? Share your thoughts and strategies for finding a healthy balance.

4. Embracing Offline Connections: While our digital interactions are valuable, we mustn't forget the importance of fostering connections in the real world. Let's explore various ways to seek meaningful offline interactions. Perhaps joining local clubs, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in acts of kindness through volunteering can help bridge the gap between our digital lives and the warmth of face-to-face connections.

5. The Power of Self-Compassion: Loneliness can take a toll on our self-worth, leading us down a path of self-doubt and negativity. It's crucial that we practice self-compassion during these challenging times. Share your strategies for self-care, building resilience, and accepting ourselves just as we are. Remember, our relationship with ourselves sets the stage for healthy connections with others.

6. Extending a Hand: Seeking and Offering Support: Lastly, let's remember that we're all in this together. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and vulnerability. In this forum, we are a community, ready to listen, offer advice, and share resources. Let's create a space where we can lean on one another, lending a compassionate ear and uplifting each other through our shared experiences.

In this heartfelt forum, we embark on a journey together—a journey towards connection, healing, and the rediscovery of our own strength. Let's transform loneliness from a burden into an opportunity for growth and understanding. Remember, you are never alone on this path, and our community is here to support and uplift you. So, let's lean on each other, share our stories, and find solace and connection amidst the ebb and flow of life. Welcome aboard this incredible journey of embracing loneliness and discovering the extraordinary power of human connection!