We are fraternal twins
I would say I was going through a depression in 2012 and 2013, but it's not clinical.

With a Sig like that how can you fear rejection ....  I love that artwork

Ok so I can't exactly say I relate. I have always had a wealth of friends and never had a hard time making a friend of a stranger.

What i can offer is this: My son really doesn't have any friends his own age, at least none that live close to him that he physically hangs out with (online is another story). He interacts with my friends and his mother's friends just fine. As a parent it is sometimes hard for me to accept that he is is own person and although we are similar in some ways, he IS NOT a younger version of me. He is only a few years younger than you. I tried pushing him to have physical friends just because I know how much fun my friends and i had growing up and doing stupid shit. Again, although I fell like he is missing out, he is not a younger version of me and his life path was never going to be the one I walked. It looks like it will be quite different than mine and in some ways that could be a good thing. I guess just realize there is a fair chance your parents are having a hard time realizing what I have and I'm sure they only want the best for you. As others have said do what makes YOU happy.

You seem like a hella nice guy, I would bet if you want physically close friends (i.e. people that live near you ) then go back to the gaming club 3 or 4 more times, play some of the other games, as some of the people get familiar with you they may open up. Although they only play the handful of games there I'm sure you will find people into some of the same games you are and that's great material for a conversation or an excuse to hang out and play.

I'm going to be honest and not sugar-coat this next part. If you do make friends give it some time before you broach politics with them. The double edged sword of religion / politics can be a friend ender early on and your political views are not conventional and not likely to be popular with peers that are less politically savvy than yourself. Do not get me wrong your views are your own and there is nothing wrong with that, hell you may even stumble upon those with very similar views. I'm not saying that friends can't disagree with each other but in my experience it really helps to already have a lot of common ground established before you start exploring what you adamantly don't agree with your friends on when it comes to religion and politics.

I know it's hard and a bit tough to say, but maybe social life isn't for you atm? Not because you lack skills for that, you seem like a nice guy to hang out based on the comments I've read from you in this forum. I guess that insecurity is getting in your way. But I wonder if searching for a more active social life is self-imposed because you want it or because of the pressure that you feel to be "normal" (being social and having friends, I mean). Maybe forcing yourself to try something you don't really want to is what makes you sad? If not, you must overcome your shyness (easier said than done...), because I don't feel like you could have any problem with having a conversation with people who share common interests.

nvm

Don't worry, I don't really have friends either. I will admit I was fortunate enough to not have any enemies whatsoever as well. Everybody liked me but nobody liked to be friends with me. I would say I had depression from 18 into my 20s, but I can't be too sure. I truly think you will feel better as you get older.

This might not help at all. But for me I realised one day that being depressed made me depressed. It was an unending cycle and I truly wanted it to stop. So on that one day I decided that I wouldn't be depressed anymore about anything. I started to think of all the positives of everything.

Saw a few spiders in my room? Well at least they will eat all the other bugs. Got a spider bite? Well at least it feels good to scratch. Hopelessly addicted to something? Well at least it isn't drugs. Dropped a bunch of eggs on the floor? Floor needed cleaned anyways.

Not only that but every year or so I challenge myself with something ridiculous, but personal.If only just to try it out because F it. I was depressed but I told myself to not be anymore, I got rid of all depressing thoughts on a whim, just to see what would happen. I have too much self confidence to let depression take over me anymore. I truly think I don't have it anymore, but you never know someone might still diagnose me as such. But I don't care anymore.