I would likely be in the same boat if I didn't live in a condo complex where I chat with various neighbors when we happen to be using the pool at the same time. For a while I was walking with a friend, but I'm scaling back my interaction with her since she's not as careful as I am about keeping her distance.

I know where I can find friends (at a local waterhole/music venue) but my last few experiences with them scared me in that they were not being careful. I'm just not willing to take those risks right now - so temporarily keeping to myself.

Maybe you can find a walking partner to social distance walk/talk or something? When I have a regular walking partner, we take turns sharing what's on our minds, and it's a bit therapeutic.

Hey there, @Green_Chile_Type. I think you're far from alone in feeling this way. I know I do. So many isolation stories seem to be about people frustrated with being confined with their family full-time, but I think it's much, much harder for people who are isolating alone. I'm glad you've been able to be with your mother until now, but you'll probably have some withdrawal symptoms from that personal contact for a while. My mother and I are in each other's (very small) isolation circles, and we see each other most Sunday afternoons. It's been a lifesaver for me. We hug a lot.

I strongly recommend online interactions, which have become really important to me. Plus, there are some wonderful people here to offer support and entertainment or just some intense debate. I'm trying to find ways to co-exist with covid by branching into other safe interactions, but it's slow going. It looks like you're taking a good first step by opening the conversation here, so good for you.

Hello from Fort Collins. Staying home for more than 2 days used to trigger my depression. I don't know what happened but I have settled right in to staying home six days a week because I would not survive the virus. My work is now online so it works out okay. I have always been a loner but I admit that this level of isolation can't be healthy. I have one relative in another part of Colorado that I can talk to once a week but right now I am trying to talk her out of voting for Trump again.

It is hard to meet people, especially now. Some people are willing to risk go to gathering places like restaurants, but not I. I even tried a meetup group some years ago but eventually decided it wasn't for me. I agree that pets are a comfort, but I sure wish they could speak English. I think those of us without pre-existing relationships are in a bind. I think we're just going to have to make due until the crisis passes.

I'm glad you have your mother. I sure miss mine. I don't have much to offer anyone and starting new friendships is a bit dicey for me but I wanted to say "hello" and at the very least let you know that you're not alone.