I've never had a lot of friends. I've always been that shy, quiet girl no one really talks to. But now it's even worse.
I have two people who I call friends. One is the girl who lives across the street, but I barely see her because she's a grade below me and I'm in high school, and teachers give me so much homework that I don't have much time to see her. And then my other friend I see every school day. I call her a friend, because we talk and have a lot in common. But she has quite a few friends, and once one of them comes I become the third wheel, ignored by both my friend and the other person. If I try to join in on the conversation, I usually just get ignored or barely acknowledged.
And then there's my acquaintances, people who I sort of know or only sometimes see. People who aren't my friend, but they're someone who I can talk to. A lot of them used to be friends, until I was replaced by other people and pushed aside. One of them even can't call me by my name anymore, but calls me by her different friend's name. She was a really great friend, until she pushed me away and now I call her just an acquaintance.
So with only two people that I call a friend, I'm really lonely. Barely anyone talks to me in school, and I really struggle with talking to others. I've always been shy, but lately it's just gotten worse. And I just feel as if I'm invisible to everyone.
I know a way to not be lonely is to talk to other people, but the problem is, I can't. It's so hard.
And I don't know what to do.
Does anyone have any advice? Any ways that you made friends, or stopped feeling lonely? Any advice on talking to other people? I would really appreciate any help, and I thank anyone who takes the time to read this.

I used to be really shy, too. I noticed a few other people who were shy looking and talked to them. We're now best friends, so I would suggest talking to someone who also looks lonely. And you could arrange something with your friend across the road like a homework session so you can talk and still keep up with work.

Being alone isn't pleasant. Being ignored makes you feel invisible. I know how it feels, but believe me, you aren't alone and you aren't invisible. I haven't been through what you've been through, but I've been through enough to know that even if it seems that the world is a shade darker than its supposed to be and it feels cold and lonely because no one is there to hold your hand, there is a friend who cares standing right in front of you offering you both of their hands to pull you out of your sad and lonely world.

BOSS BOSS BOSS LOVE MEEEEEE


Study in the school library as often as you can. Do your homework there as often as you can. People might notice you then. They might even approach you and want to make friends with you. Also, finishing homework at school will give you more time to hang out with your friend in the grade below you.

As for your acquaintances, stop looking back at the past. They won't come back to be friends with you again; they've moved on.

For the friend who had loads of other friends. "I call her a friend, because we talk and have a lot in common". Ahhhhh. PLEASE! ASK HER IF SHE IS YOUR FRIEND. Or, say "can we be friends?" to her and then she will be able to confirm how you think of her. Maybe then she won't treat you as a third wheel anymore. Ahhhhh please get your feelings across. Let her know that you enjoy spending time with her and this will bring you two closer together as friends.

I might have a different take on this. In the next things I will be saying, do keep in mind I never mean to condescend you or your preferred way of living.

You see, I don't believe friendship is the primary solution to this. Have you asked yourself what causes your unease when you're alone? I'm sure you have. The solution you thought of? Friends. Ah, yes of course. You see, I don't know for you, but I used to be like that, too. Of couse, I didn't actually lose my friends, but I was thinking about what they were to me and what their existence implied to mine. I used to be so scared of being alone, used to be so awkward. I valued friendship, but there were time when I would have to pretend because I didn't want to lose any one of them or to feel hated. I stopped and thought, why does this happen to me when I'm alone? Why can't I seem to be able to take care of myself when I'm alone?

I then realized I used some of my friends as a distraction from my own loneliness; to forget about the fact that I felt so weak when I was left alone. I was a parasite like that. After much pondering, I was resolved to overcome that. To become stronger for myself. I did several things, like I tried eatig alone at the cafeteria (well, I could do it with my friends but at that time I tested myself) go see a movie by myself, go pamper myself without worrying about others. And for some reason, I didn't mind being alone. In fact, I started valuing my alone time more.

Ah, I realized this was the best position. It was easier for me to make and break relationships with other people. I could hang out with the people I liked instead of the people I used to pretend I liked. I didn't mind taking risks of making or breaking relationships, because I knew I could handle myself even if I were left alone.

Well, that's just part of the story of my life. If you read through the end, I hope this helped anyway. No, I don't expect you to necessarily follow this one, so feel free to do otherwise. Also, I should mention the story wasn't as simple as that, but I believe I have summarized it well enough. Good luck to you!

*were times
*eating
*for some reason, I started not minding being alone

(I typed this on mobile. Sorry for any errors!)

Thank you so much, everyone! This all really helped me, I really appreciate it.

You're welcome. I hope you found what you were truly looking for.