Surrounded but Alone
Most of the loneliness is self-inflicted, but it can still be surprising to feel this way when out and about.
Changes to my schedule
I have started forcing myself to go out and read, code, and work from coffee shops, the library, or bars and restaurants. It has given me some comfort since I would have no other reason to leave my place. I work remotely and live alone so since my dogs died there is a very real gap in my immediate support system.
While I do enjoy getting out of the house and I have no issues with interacting with other people. It can feel intensely awkward to have waitstaff or other patrons stare. How can we alter our expectations about normal life so as to make being alone an acceptable outcome?