Is it weird to not have friends?

[Anonymous]

I used to have a lot of close friends growing up but ever since college I had trouble connecting with people so I was left with a lot of acquaintances but no close friends. I lost contact with my old friends from my home town because I moved away to a different state but I’m also struggling to develop close friendships in my current city. I have my boyfriend with me but I miss having close female friends and I feel lonely. I’ve always been kind of a lone wolf but I just got engaged and I realize that I don’t know who to ask to be my bridesmaids… My closest friends from childhood are all in different countries. I’m also noticing more people becoming lonely ever since the pandemic. Has anyone experience something similar?

[wheist9095]

That's very understandable because of how the world is nowadays, everybody works so much and we're all so comfortable at home that we don't have to go out and seek entertainment as much as we used to.

The way I fixed my issue was by getting into a hobby, specifically D&D, where I got to meet new people for a few hours a week on a reliable schedule, which made it easier to connect with them.

What hobbies are available in your area? Trivia night at a pub? Archery club? Hiking groups? Yoga or pilates classes? Renaissance Fairs? Cooking classes?

Basically anything works as long as you get to be around people in a safe public place

[Asker]

You’re absolutely on point. Everyone seems to mostly just stick to online interactions nowadays, I miss hanging out with friends in person.

I have actually joined several clubs but my boyfriend always tags along and he’s a social butterfly so he doesn’t really let me explore myself socially alone and he takes up most of the attention.

I’m glad you found your people through D&D! It’s super nice to be able to find your own community

[IslaTheWitch]

I put a lot of effort into maintaining my friendships even when we spread across Europe and further... some friendships didn't survive, but I created new...

if you feel like you miss something... frequent places where other people with similar interests are... like hobby clubs... or meetups...

[Asker]

I still talk to my friends that are living abroad but I don’t have anyone to hang out with in person, I guess that’s why I just feel so lonely.

I think I do need to put myself out there more, making friends as an adult is definitely not easy tho haha…

[strateguy632]

It is