Besides attending the game store two or three times a week, socializing feels nonexistent for me.

[Markness]

As the title says, I attend a local game store two or three times during the week. But aside from that, I don’t feel like I am truly making attempts to get out of the social rut. I mostly just go to work, shop for stuff I want/need to get when I run out of it, put up with family members in various ways, and try to read something without dozing off on the couch. It doesn’t help that lately that the days have been very hot and storms have been occurring for the last few days.

 

[VictorR]

Perhaps see what events and festivities are taking place in your area and try to attend some.

Sometimes it's nice to have some one-off events to add some variety to our routines.

This looks interesting:

Self-Care with Plants

 

[tree]

@Markness

What does "attend a local game store" mean?

Do you have a tread mill, you or one of your parents?
I don't, but I read books while I am walking.
That way I stay awake while I am reading.
Maybe you could read while walking on a treadmill?

 

[Mary Terry]

I don’t feel like I am truly making attempts to get out of the social rut.

You need to keep on making attempts to socialize. Watch for events, occasions, gatherings of people where you can meet people. I'm rooting for you, Mark.

 

[Markness]

@Markness

What does "attend a local game store" mean?

Do you have a tread mill, you or one of your parents?
I don't, but I read books while I am walking.
That way I stay awake while I am reading.
Maybe you could read while walking on a treadmill?

It means I go to the local gaming store and participate in TGC (trading card game) matches.

I don't have a treadmill nor does my mother as well as my father have one.

 

[Metalhead]

Move to Washington and hang with Metalhead.

It may not be practical, but we can go to metal shows together at least.

 

[tree]

It means I go to the local gaming store and participate in TGC (trading card game) matches.

I don't have a treadmill nor does my mother as well as my father have one.

I thought of treadmill because the weather in your
area doesn't seem conducive to doing much walking
outdoors. The heat and sun.

When I was in Louisiana I used to go for a 3 mile walk,
but since that was along the road at the edge of a
national forest, it was shaded.

I went during the part of the day when the temp was
no more than 90 degrees.

 

[saturnv]

Walking is very good for you. I think it is underrated by many people. I have been walking on a treadmill for hours each day and it has improved my health and mood a lot.

 

[Markness]

I am fine with being a late bloomer but I am scared I will never get to bloom at all.

 

[Metalhead]

I am fine with being a late bloomer but I am scared I will never get to bloom at all.

You will bloom if you feed yourself spiritual water. I am not a religious freak but I do believe in self improvement. I have seen you grow so much over the last couple of years. Do not give up on yourself now.

 

[AuAL]

@Markness, do you have meetup.com where you are? Where I am, there are numerous groups related to various forms of games, with regular meetings. If they have some meetings near you, there’s a chance of meeting with people, in a social setting, with similar interests to you. (Some of my first active involvement with meetup.com was with local ASD groups - good to meet with neurokin in IRL.)

 

[Markness]

@Markness, do you have meetup.com where you are? Where I am, there are numerous groups related to various forms of games, with regular meetings. If they have some meetings near you, there’s a chance of meeting with people, in a social setting, with similar interests to you. (Some of my first active involvement with meetup.com was with local ASD groups - good to meet with neurokin in IRL.)

I’ve attended some Meet Up groups in my area.

 

[Markness]

I am often blamed to be the reason for being stuck in a rut for years but I really do make attempts to break the cycle.

 

[Metalhead]

I am often blamed to be the reason for being stuck in a rut for years but I really do make attempts to break the cycle.

I do not blame you for that. Breaking out of a rut is difficult for anybody. But you keep making an effort. For those who never try, they are sure to fail. You are already ahead of the curve there.

I wish I could buy you a mocktail and some wings.

 

[Mary Terry]

I am often blamed to be the reason for being stuck in a rut for years but I really do make attempts to break the cycle.

Keep trying, Mark. You have to meet people in person in order to form a friendship which might grow into a deeper relationship.

 

[tree]

I am often blamed to be the reason for being stuck in a rut for years but I really do make attempts to break the cycle.

Break the cycle of what?

How does your thinking and behavior differ currently from
years past? If, in fact, it does.

 

[Markness]

Break the cycle of what?

How does your thinking and behavior differ currently from
years past? If, in fact, it does.

The cycle of social isolation.

I used to think everything would go my way all on its own once I became an adult.

 

[tree]

The cycle of social isolation.

I used to think everything would go my way all on its own once I became an adult.

Go your way?

What is your way?

 

[Mary Terry]

The cycle of social isolation.

I used to think everything would go my way all on its own once I became an adult.

I think all children assume "everything would go their way once they became adults." But that's not reality and childhood is long past. There's no point in dwelling in the thoughts of childhood when you literally have the world before you as an adult. Take advantage of that, Mark! You're an adult and are free to be an adult if you chose to seize the opportunity.