This comment might get lost in here but in case you get to it: I come from the complete opposite side of the spectrum: I've been living alone for practically the entirety of my adult life and I'm not far off your age either. This may come across a bit like "there, solved it" advice but hear me out: During the first 6 months of COVID, I was the happiest I have ever been. Things weren't perfect but given the circumstances, I doubt it could have been much better. But at a point the complete absence of borders between work and life disappeared and it was the constant zoom meetings happening in my living room that really got to me. One evening I was scrolling around the internet and saw an ad for 3 month old puppies across town. The decision was spontaneous af but I figured that I might as well do it now that I was at home all day. 5 years later, I can say this was among the best decisions I've ever made. But a word of advice - think about it and do your own research. What I got was a dog that is definitely not for everyone. But if you are active and have the time and patience to dedicate to such a breed, trust me, you will never feel alone again.