Sorry you're feeling down. I've read/posted here for only a short while, but there were times in the past when interacting on some web board was the highlight of my day. In a way it's a shame HN doesn't allow PM's or have a free flow chat area, because otherwise there's really no way to get to know people personally.<p>I've been doing lots of contract work lately, and even between positions, seem to have a knack for staying busy (regular to-do list of 20 ? items), which tends to mask any sense of loneliness. But on the upside I recently got engaged, and that's helped my social life to no end.<p>I don't know your exact situation, but a few ideas... 1) Speak up. I had a 100% remote job during the pandemic with an out-of-state employer. Zero chance of any personal interactions. I still managed to make friends with one of the sysadmin guys who was also a contractor. He kept taking my tickets, and over time we got to know each other over email and chat. It made the days go a bit easier. 2) If somebody does reach out their hand, don't immediately swat it away. On another job I was working with a recent graduate whose home was a couple hours away and whose weekends consisted mostly of online game tournaments. I tried a couple times to get him to do something social, but he wasn't having it. Perhaps it was because I was nearly twice his age? I might have done the same thing back then, but have come to realize that people don't change that much if you can just get over the notion that someone's "older". 3) Combining the above, if there's a group that you know does something social outside of work, I don't think there's any harm in asking if they have room for one more. 4) Beyond that...clubs or volunteer work? I've been involved with a couple political campaigns, which was at least a way of getting out of the house and interacting. I think there's also still a Linux users group that meets monthly, not too far from here. What are your interests aside of tech? Depending on where you live, there could be a local car club, biking club, horror movie club, etc.<p>Hope that helps a little bit.