practice socializing. its a skillset, not a genetic talent. people used to have to socialize to get anything done, and nowadays we’ve been able to hide from each other and get by. its awkward and scary to learn. start calling customer service people just to compliment. they will adore you. then call retirement communities and ask for random room numbers. they will have all the time in the world for you. start making eye contact and smiling when someone looks back. start wearing a conversation piece. you’ll soon be a katy perry video. that skillset is incredibly life changing. it will find you money and friendships and affection.

“Someone told me the other day that he felt bad for single people because they are lonely all the time. I told him that’s not true I’m single and I don’t feel lonely. I take myself out to eat, I buy myself clothes. I have great times by myself. Once you know how to take care of yourself company becomes an option and not a necessity.”

~ Keanu Reeves

I mean, you are socialising right now, so that’s something. Why don’t you visit Mastodon and talk to some people there too? It’s rather easy to get in touch there, because you can just answer to stuff others post and there are tags for mental disorders that will bring you into contact.

It really does all start with you. Self acceptance, reflection, and mindfulness go a long way in dealing with others. Love yourself, others will love you. Practice it. Practice doing it in the wild. Don’t get hung up on how you come across. Life is a joke in the grand scheme. This mentality tends to draw people to you as well. Not sure if this is good advice but it’s worked for me. Also, know yourself and your limits. Set boundaries. Have realistic goals and expectations. People will disappoint you, doesn’t mean you have to disappoint yourself. 🙃

I’m in a similar situation…I’m not sure I have much advice for you, but I can certainly relate to this and the feeling sucks. Plus now the shape of what online communities look like are rapidly changing, which I think makes it harder for everyone, but especially neurodivergent people. That being said, I don’t think that ND people and especially autistic people were well served by most of the dominant platforms of the past several years anyways, so I’m hopeful that things will eventually turn out for the better, but there’s also the possibility that things could get much worse.

I think that podcasts have been helping a little. That and finding a new hobby (albeit not a social one). But some days are still really hard.

Short answer, I don’t know. I’m surrounded by people, family. I feel so lonely.

I’m assuming you have gotten enough good advice on actively socializing, so my tips are on how to deal with the feeling of isolation itself. Some small things that can ease the feeling, in reducing order of intensity:

Go for walks, smile and and make a second of eye contact with some random people you pass by.

Smile at and greet your neighbors when you see them.

Watch live streams, like talkshows, podcasts or gamers - it makes you part of a group even if you don’t say anything.

Watch shows with people hanging out in groups, for example D&D sessions like Critical Role or Adventure is Nigh.

Any anime or sci fi clubs or D&D groups or anything in your area? Such groups are usually at least a little accommodating to our kind.

If you’re actually so remote even that’s not a possibility, a pet may help.

Went to a gathering of people last night in memory of a friend who killed themselves a couple weeks back, and it was nice, but just reinforced how unable I am to properly interact with people, and how fucking alone I feel constantly. I’m now in quite the shit place, no idea what to do.

Hogy van hogy game enginet programozol és nem keresel eleget?

There’s probably mental health services in your area. They should be able to help you with finding groups and improving your social abilities. The services near me run social events for people with disabilities.