I used to be in a very strict religious sect with my family (not jk), I will soon break free, and most likely be incredibly lonely

\[18M\] I know this scenario is a bit strange, but it is the truth. Without getting into too much details, I was in raised in a religious group, which I’m now preparing to leave. It is normal and even recommended for people in this cult to cut ties with anyone who decides to leave, so that person hopefully becomes so alone that they decide to come back. This sounds stupid, but it did happen to my brother who left, and my entire family ostracized ourself from him, so it will most likely happen to me too when I do finally get out.

The reason I’m posting this here, is just because I’ve never been in a relationship, hell, I haven’t even really had many friends outside the cult, because it is also forbidden to become close with anyone outside the group. I’m just genuinely scared, and I’m trying to find ways to make new connection, so that I hopefully by the time I leave, have someone I can talk with, but I have no idea what to do, since I’m also trying to pretend I’m still a member of the cult, so I’m kinda doing shit like this very carefully as to not get caught (my life is not in danger, just so people know, I just don’t wanna leave until I’m fully prepared)

But yeah, my mind has not been fully fucked by everything I’ve been taught, and I do think I’ve come out this a good guy, but it has definitely traumatized me, and I’m just very scared, and alone when it comes to this situation, and I’m just looking for some advice for meeting new people, what I can do to not feel so alone, and hopefully also get someone to talk to. <3