How do you build a network when you feel isolated?

I’m not quite sure where this fits, but I wanted to share my situation. I have one sibling and one parent living on the other side of the country, but unfortunately, I don’t have a strong relationship with them.

I’ve always wanted a big family, but I only have one child. He’s deeply loved, but it’s been hard for me to come to terms with the fact that I wasn’t able to have more children—it’s something I still feel sensitive about. He doesn’t have any siblings, and there’s very little family on both my side and his father’s side. His father and I don’t live together, which makes things lonelier.

I’m in my 40s now and have lived in the same area for 20 years, but I’ve never managed to build a proper network. I just don’t feel at home here. Moving isn’t an option because of my son, so I’m trying to figure out how to create a community where I am.

Has anyone been able to build a network from scratch? I’ve tried, but I’m naturally quiet and introverted, and I’ve always considered myself a family-oriented person—ironically, given my lack of close family connections.

Any advice or stories about how you’ve managed to create meaningful relationships in similar situations? I’m feeling lost. 😥