How about some meetups groups that you don’t have to spend money on such as walking group for example? Or maybe volunteering? You won’t be lonely and will be around others but it’s also not dating. I did those things when I was lonely but wasn’t up to dating.

My therapist recommends to get very busy when you feel lonely so you don’t date out of boredom. Even if you don’t work at the moment you could maybe busy yourself with other things?

Hugs. Good job recognizing what’s wrong for you at the moment.

PS I agree about some books. They not helping or even mess by with your brain. We once had this guy who wrote “men are from mars ...” series giving a speech in my town. I went with my male friend and we were both like WTF? None makes sense. Books about gender role are bunch of BS. I agree with you about talking to a therapist about it