I can easily understand. I was not home schooled, but I was sort of confined to being alone from 6th grade, up through the 12th grade. At the time, we live in a very rural area, so the only way to go anywhere was by car. Well, my eyes were never good enough to drive. This resulted in no time spent with other people, except for family. It wasn't until I started college that things changed. When college started, I was moved into a small town and pretty much on my own. I had access to buses for the first time, and was able to get out and make friends. It still wasn't easy, because I had zero social skills or practice. I couldn't even figure out how to say hi to people at first, without worrying that I was somehow messing up.

It doesn't help that it is often harder to meet people and get to know them well while you are still living at home with parents. Do what you can to get out and be around people. I know all the "ifs" and "buts", because I dealt with it myself. To some degree, I still do. Things did get better socially, once I was on my own and not living at home. Many other things became more tough though, but overall, things came into balance. They likely will for you too. It does take overcoming some of the "ifs" and "buts" though. It never needs to be all at once though. Just tackle one or two things at a time on the path to being less alone.

Yeah, slowly things are starting to work out. It's difficult, though. When you're used to being alone, it becomes much easier to stay there, and more difficult to be social, even if you want to.

It will happen though. It just takes time, and the process is gradual. And, you are right, it can be difficult. Almost all change is difficult to some degree.

I had a pretty long talk with my mom a few nights ago about the social phobias I am currently developing and one of the things she said to me really stuck out in my head, and I think it applies here as well. In order to improve your situation you have to go beyond your comfort zone. You don't have to go way outside of it, but instead try to expand it by pushing yourself just a little bit farther each time. Sure, it's going to be uncomfortable, but if you can keep at it it'll start to become less uncomfortable and easier.

You are a good person little bro. Push yourself a little bit farther than what you're comfortable with and you'll start to get better at social interactions.

I'm not really sure where to start with that, though. I understand what you're saying, and I do agree it is what I need partly, but I don't know how to do it. *hugs*

Unfortunately I don't think I can directly tell you how to be more social. All I can say is you're going to feel uncomfortable at times but I urge you not to give up when that disccomfort sets in.