I know. I should “get better friends”. But it’s not that easy to talk to people irl, and it was hard enough making friends with the current people.

First of all, it seems like you’re being judgemental and critical of yourself for not finding friends who have not shared interests. Please don’t do that. Really. Take a step back and look at that behavior and what its impacts are on you. I can guarantee that they are not positive and may result in shame and harm to your self-esteem and confidence. Making friends IS hard and socializing, if you feel awkward, anxious, or are not accustomed to it is too. Don’t beat yourself up over it.

Conversing with ChatGPT could serve as “practice” or as a bit of a “safety blanket”. And that’s ok, but, for your own health, I recommend seeking out or forming an online or in-person group for your interests. Loneliness is both harmful to one’s health and makes one more susceptible to manipulation by individuals and organizations with nefarious intent. Plus, you can exchange and form novel ideas, which is pretty cool.

I hope you have a great weekend.