So I'm just plain bad with people. I've had social anxiety since I was a teen and it's gotten more severe with age. I'm no good at small talk and all that. I'm also depressed with low self-esteem and no confidence, and serious trust issues. I'm currently isolated with no friends to speak of. But I can't stay this way; it isn't healthy. And loneliness is starting to drive me crazy.

So if I were to set a goal to make a friend... how do I even go about it? Everything seems so different and difficult for adults -- I had enough trouble making friends as a kid! I don't even know where to begin. I'm unemployed so I can't meet anyone in a work setting. I'm atheist so I don't attend church either. And meeting people online still seems iffy at best, dangerous at worst. I live in a pretty unfortunate area where the majority of people belong to the religion that I left... So that makes it even harder.

I feel hopeless and stuck, you know? I want a friend but it seems impossible to find one. Anyone else with similar experience? Advice? TIA.