Not everyone is cut out to be a hermit. You could get a budgie. They are really easy to care for and super cheap to buy and keep. You can bond with them as well as any other pet. They will come up with the funniest things to say. They'll greet you with a happy "good morning" every day. They are like a little person. Just make sure to get a boy because the girls don't really talk much and they are a bit more bitey.
and now I'm gonna go cry a little for my lost little friend.