do you think it's 'devastating' to spend your life on your own when you want some friends

the tragic thing in my situation is i lost touch with my childhood friends long ago and never established any new friendships in my adult life because i had so many problems, social & mental problems - also never found a relationship with a woman, never had a girlfriend for the same reason as stated above.

i'm now in my late 40s, lived alone for 20 years and often feel isolated and cut off from people...all i have is my elderly parents who live far away.

i go on youtube a lot, and there's this cockney lad from Essex who has a retro gaming channel, who ive been subbed to for over a decade, i have really good interactions with him on youtube...and he thinks like me, likes the same things i do, and think he would be a friend, if i met him......so i just feel i'm missing out big time by being alone and knowing no one, it's pretty devastating to be honest....i am an introvert, like my own company but still do hope to make one or two good friends in life.

Sportie · F

Well, I think you should try making a few friends (not online only). You could start by going for a programme or concert and chatting with folks around you (not excessively or coming on too strong) then you ask for their contact after and check on them from time to time. It will pick up from there, I am sure.