spicy pancake

inpepcion :]

• LineageOS: my Android ROM of choice

• LineageOS for MicroG: the ROM on my second phone where I quarantine my use of apps that refuse to work without Google services (mostly stuff I need for business travel e.g. Amtrak, Google Maps)

• Aurora Store: allows installation of most Play Store apps without login. I mainly use this on the MicroG phone, but it’s also needed to get the ProtonMail and ProtonCalendar apps (only ProtonVPN is on F-Droid)

• TrackerControl: allows fine tuned domain blocking on a per-app basis. Often allows you to block just ads and trackers but still be able to use an app or at least many of its features.

• Arcticons: monochrome line art icons (because I hate fun and want my GUIs to look like a terminal)

• AsteroidOS Sync: WearOS replacement. AsteroidOS still has a long way to go, but I doubt WearOS would play nicely with LineageOS and I don’t want all the tracking anyway.

• Bubble: bubble level by woheller69 (a true F-Droid GOAT)

• FlorisBoard: afaik, only FOSS gesture typing Android keyboard (besides AnySoft, which doesn’t seem to work consistently)

• GMaps WV: fairly locked-down web viewer for Google Maps (sadly OSM just doesn’t have a usably complete business directory where I live)

• Lawnchair: launcher with all the features I want except being up to date on F-Droid

• Librera: the PDF reader on F-Droid that I hate the least. (Anyone got any better recommendations?)

• NewPipe: ad-free Youtube player with locally stored subscriptions and playlists. An IzzyOnDroid fork with SponsorBlock is also available.

• QKSMS: my SMS app of choice

• Signal: because I can’t convince my friends to switch to Briar

• SpoTube: pirate ad-free Spotify that works by looking up tracks on Youtube. Is therefore limited by what’s available on YT and sometimes plays wrong tracks, but you can’t beat the price :] Even interfaces with a Spotify account to play and edit playlists.

• Standard Notes: E2E encrypted cloud-synced notes. Also accessible by web browser, which has saved my ass a few times while phoneless

• Weather: by BeoCode on F-Droid

• VLC: everyone’s favorite traffic cone boi

I would say start with hobby-based circles. Look for local events and meetups (concerts, games, hobby shop events, etc.) as a way to meet people.

If you happen to like TTRPGs, in my experience that’s a fast track to very close friendships that tend to have the deeper level of connection you’re describing. My guess is because TTRPGs require good communication, the comeraderie tends to come naturally faster than any other given group of people. It’s never a guarantee, but it’s certainly worth a try if you’re already into tabletop games or are curious to get into them

I hope you find excellent homies ASAP, wherever you find them :]