[ALittleLight]

One thing I like to do for fun, but may be helpful for loneliness, is pick a slightly goofy phrase and say it to everyone I pass by. Something like "Hooo boy, some weather, huh?" Which I find even funnier to say when the weather is unremarkable. Obviously I don't say this to literally everyone, skipping people if they look busy or whatever - I do try to say my line to most passersby though.

I think there are two advantages to this method. First, it gets you over the inertia of not talking to people. You don't worry about an awkward "hello" because you're intentionally being a bit awkward with the slightly goofy start. Second, some people like to talk and will engage you in conversation. Most people will nod, ignore you, or say something like "Yep", but some people will stop and talk. If you do this kind of thing on a schedule you'll find the same people, talk to them repeatedly, and before you know it, you have an acquaintance. Push a little bit and an acquaintance could become a friend.