[daniel_j]

I stopped at one because I can't find anything else I'm remotely interested in. I don't particularly have interests beyond Linux and programming. I know that's limiting, but it is what it is

[troad]

Shared interests are a key way to build social connections. You say you're frustrated, but then you say "it is what it is" about the most obvious way to make friends. Your frustration sounds like the result of self imposed limitations.

Here's my 2c. Pick an interest that attracts the kind of people you want to spend time with. Immerse yourself in that interest. Go meet people who share that interest. Spend time with them.

Any previous experience with that interest is not necessary - you can be honest and say you're new and learning. People tend to love sharing their interests.

[skeledrew]

Interests being what they are, one doesn't just find things interesting. If it's for the people and there's little actual interest in the activity itself, then it'll show and there will eventually be a breakdown. If lucky, one just might find a new genuine interest with people one is interested in, but that's being really lucky. Maybe a "Tinder for Interests" could work.

[jayd16]

If the goal is social interaction, just force yourself to do things others like. Maybe you'll end up finding other interests or striking gold.

Worst case you're hanging out doing something besides your favorite thing, but you're still hanging out.

[skeledrew]

That's a recipe for absolute boredom IMO. Likely end up zoning out, and there experience will only reinforce the feeling of helplessness.

[bowsamic]

I'm not sure why you are surprised your possibilities of connection are so limited when your interests are so limited

[llm_trw]

In 2015 Melbourne there were 5 different groups meeting about Linux weekly and one group about every programming language in the top 20 of stack overflow.

The endless lockdowns destroyed pretty much all of civic society there and the place hasn't recovered, literally everyone I know from that period left after the lockdowns ended.

[2muchcoffeeman]

If you understand that it’s limiting, then I guess you need to try to go to the Linux meetups and if that doesn’t suit you, find new ways of being happy?

You’re not giving anyone much to work with. I honestly can’t imagine only having 2 interests that are related.

Hope you find some joy!

[johnnyanmac]

That's the issue. There's very few Linux meetups and fewer still are frequent.

I had a similar issue going to 3d modeling meetups. Surprisingly few in Los Angeles. There's one blender Meetup that comes around maybe once a year and that's it.

It was bad before COVID, but Meetups completely torpedo'd during it. And it has bounced back as much as I thought.

[defrost]

Do you have any notion of what it is you'd like to do with Linux and programming?

Deep dark buried backend stacks in cloud infrastructure, or perhaps control a drone that monitors engineering or construction progress, etc.

[daniel_j]

I have an interest in systems programming. I've been on a run of enjoying esp32 iot home automation projects, I enjoy interfacing hardware with software. I enjoy restoring early hardware.

[smogcutter]

I mean, it sounds like what really fits the bill for what you’re looking for are coworkers or collaborators more so than friends.

Which is fine, and recognizing that might help you find it. End of the day, having meaningful social connections takes actually being interested in other people, not just a shared external interest, or hobby.

[johnnyanmac]

Harder to do for (assumed) males. Males gather over "things". Women tend to gather over "community" more than the "thing".

That's a part of why modern male groups break up easier. No more "thing" no more Meetup.

[hackable_sand]

This is the one.

[cts1]

Maybe you will find some fellow nerds interested in going deeper here: https://mess.foundation/

A creative hobby in which you could apply your programming skills perhaps?