In the 90s (Second age maybe), my friend and I were both fortunate enough to have 2 phone lines in our respective houses and would talk on the phone while playing on the modem.

One day an IMM tells me: "You know, you two should really talk to each other in game every now and then."

Me: Ok

This century, I don't know any of the players.

That had nothing to do with your situation, but IMHO, you should definitely be able to play with friends. In the rest of the world, that's a main source of new blood.