Need advice on my high school life...?

[Caroline]

Hi, I'm am a freshmen in high school and I need some advice on how to be happy with my life as it is, or how to change it.
You see, my whole life my parents have really sheltered me and been overprotective. I'm not allowed to hang out with people she doesn't know, not allowed to be on Facebook, and the cell phone I have is the most basic possible version and I can only use it if there is an emergency. I feel soooo disconnected from everyone. Over the years, I have never had any close friends. There are a few reasons for this. One of them is, when I was a young child I wasn't really around anyone other than my exact family- not even close relatives- so I've always been very shy, self consious and a little bit nervous in social situations because I am in them so often.
The other reason I don't have any close friends is that, even though I am a freshmen in high school, I have literally only gone over to friend's houses 3 times in my life. Everyone else hangs out with their friends (and even people they're not close friends with) almost every day; they can just text them and drop in to their house. But me? I'm not allowed to. I live in the country (not in the middle of the town) so I can't just walk to people's houses. Even if I did live in town, my parents are too overprotective to let me walk around alone (even though it's a very small, safe town).
It's so frusterating and sad because I feel like I have no friends at school. Sure, I talk to some people, but not for very long- they have other, closer friends. At lunch everyone talks and I'm just too shy to be a part of it. I'm not in any sports or groups because 1) I'm too shy and 2) I wouldn't have a ride to get to any meetings anyway. Plus, my mom doesn't even let me go on some field trips because she worries about me so much! In sixth grade, everyone went on a 3 day camp trip. I was the only one who had to stay at school, I sat in the office and did work all day. Then at lunch, I had to sit alone where the 6th graders usually sat, and just felt so embarrassed to be the only 6th grader (the people from different grades were all eating lunch then, but I was alone because I had to sit in the 6th grader's designated area). I felt so embarrassed, and I feel like that a lot when I am the last picked for a game, the only without a partner.
I don't even know about the stuff other teens my age do. Can you believe I don't even know how to apply makeup? Never have, and I'm a 15 year old girl. I don't have any makeup to wear. I've never been to a dance before. Would not have a clue how to navigate an IPhone, don't play any of the video games other kids do, or use the apps they use. My life is really empty. When I'm at home, I basically do homework, read, walk around with my dog, or occasionally watch TV. It's not that we don't have money, it's just my parents don't understand what kids my age are doing. They think I'm happy with how my life is.
I am so sorry for this long story. I guess I'm just looking for advice. Is there any way I can convince my parents to give me a little more leeway, a little more oppertunities for social interaction? I don't feel close to either of them so I'm not comfortable even bringing my feelings up. But I'm so dissatisfied with my life. Thank you so so much if you read this and if you have any advice.
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I am so thankful to everyone who has answered, it's all so helpful and supportive and really made me feel better! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will choose a best answer but can't even decide who gave me the best answer yet.

[Nicole]

Reading all this I feel like you should probably try to ask to go to friends and kinda force yourself to interact with people so you can know them and just go into the conversation. It doesn't have to be a big deal contributing into the conversation but enough to that you get good friends that you can stay over at and try to ask more about going over basically making your mom see that you are getting older and you can try to put into conversation about your technology situation; at my school you have to have an Iphone or you really can't pass the class because you need the internet.. but you may be different. But on the big social thing just try to force your way into people with your friends that you already have and get to know them more, just don't over do it with creeping them out lol. Again with your mom let her see you are ready for this and you want this transition, or talk to the parent who may feel is better in your situation. Good luck! hope this helps

[Sydney Franco]

Hey I'm in hs too so I understand what you're going through, I'm pretty sure all of us have felt that way at some point. We won't always get along with our parents but I guess a good start is to just try to talk to them more, talk about anything; your day, how school was, just to get comfortable with them. Later you can try to convince them that you are responsible and explain reasons to them why you think you should be able to do certain things. Also this is just general life advice but just remember, everything is temprorary, this applies to feelings, people and pretty much everything. Things will change in your life, maybe even very soon, so don't ever give up. Things will get better soon, I promise, just hang in there for just a little while longer. I know you might be really unhappy with your life, but always remember that this is all for a reason, and we may not know what that reason is but we will someday. And it's okay if you feel sad and lost because I've felt that way too before and I know it sucks but I promise it will definetly get better someday, just please never give up. You may not feel like anyone cares, but I do, I don't know you but from what you said I just know you're an amazing person with great potential to do incredible things in life. I really hope this helped. Talk to me whenever you need anything, I'm always here Good luck beautiful, things will get better, i promise <3

[AAHHHH!]

Tell your parents you need a hobby. Something that you know is happening in town. See if you could get a teacher or two on your side... Even an after school program is better than being so isolated.

[Vampire]

Wow,Caroline! I guess your parents are too overprotective. Nothing to do but to talk to them,be brave and tell them bout what you feel bout your life. Im sure they will undrstnd. Bout the school,i think the problem is you. You are too afraid to socialize. Try to be more positive. I used to go through the same life as yours. Believe me,everything will be alright.

P/s- embrace your dreams

Even if morrow is barren of promises,nothing shall forestall my return