Friends (or lack of)

[Blue Rose]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

 

[Onepotatotwopotato]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

I'd definitely go so you can live on campus. I stayed home whilst at uni and I really regret that ! You'll make great friends if you live in halls

 

[whatasadlittlelife]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

DEFINITELY LIVE IN STUDENT ACCOM!! I cannot stress how much more it contributes to university life. I am sure there are plenty of people who do live at home and still have a great time but for me I never considered it. I met my friends for life at uni after having pretty tit friends at school and this was 100% down to living with them and spending tonnes of time in their company.

 

[luckyblue]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

Don’t want to scare you but people who lived at home on my course at least definitely had to work a lot harder to make new friends and things. It’s not impossible but its not easy and it can take a toll on you. I’ve seen a lot of people who live at home missing out on invitations to things as well because people assume it’s too much hassle for you to go.

 

[Bluejeanzz]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

I would 100% move out if I were you for the social aspect and the independence aspect! I lived at home for uni and I really struggled with making friends (as in I didn’t make any until final year) and I felt suffocated by my family as it was another 4 years living at home. If you’re more outgoing and can confidently insert yourself into plans with people you speak to in classes, you could definitely still live at home but living on campus with flatmates would make life so much easier. Obviously there are pros and cons to both options like saving money at home and not having to live with potentially dirty flatmates but it seemed like most people in my year group had a great time living away from home.

 

[Blonde123]

I’m currently in a gap year because I wasn’t sure in what to do after A Levels but pretty much have no friends. I’ve never been very social but did have friends throughout school, however my lack of social media has meant I’ve barely heard from any of them since we finished school last March (because of covid). I do have one friend I text from time to time but
she’s at university and I get the feeling she’s probably moved on from me. I am going to university this year and really want to go to the university of derby because I live in north Birmingham so it’s just far enough that I’ll have to live on campus, but close enough I can come home easily, however my dad wants me to go to Birmingham city (I have unconditional offers for both) so I can stay at home. He thinks I’ll expect him to pay accommodation since he’s willing to cover my tuition, but I’m happy to take out a student loan because I really want some freedom. I know I’ll still be able to get invold in university life if I stay in Birmingham, but I feel like I’ll be able to make friends more easily and be able to do things like go to parties etc if I’m not worrying about the fact I still live with my parents and any boys I get with will have to come back to my quite small bedroom with a single bed that’s in between my parents and little sister’s rooms. I never went to many parties during school but I do enjoy drinking. Sometimes I like to get drunk in my room, I do this whenever I can by mixing the alcohol my parents have when I’m home alone (it’s harder now my dad’s working from home).
I’m excited to go to university, meet new people, start my degree (I’m doing primary teaching and am really excited to go on placement etc) and have more freedom. I’m just really lonely right now and don’t think it’s going to be any different if I end up going to Birmingham City University. It’ll feel like I’m still in school because, although I’m in a different setting, educationally, I’ll still be going to university and coming home again. My dad is quite strict with going out and even though I’m an adult, I recon I’ll still be limited to how much I can meet with friends etc. Sorry if my post makes no sense, but I haven’t actually told my parents about the Birmingham offer yet and am not sure what to do.

Move out of home and also please join a university society, it can be anything (extreme Frisby or something) but it’ll really help you to socialise. Nothing wrong with drinking but do make sure it isn’t something you feel you need. If it’s becoming a problem speak to your GP xx

 

[greenapple]

Just found this thread and I relate so much. I turned 30 last week and I was actually relieved that it was during lockdown so I didn't have to come up with excuses for not having a big celebration! I had a group of friends in primary and secondary that basically bullied me but I had no one else so I stayed friends with them and after school finished they just stopped inviting me to things because we weren't seeing each other every day in school. I went to uni but lived at home and only made one good friend that I still stay in touch with. Theres a few others that I'd send the odd message on social media but I haven't actually seen them in years. It definitely gets harder to make friends the older you get and I'm single as well so I don't even have a partner to spend time with.

 

[Pixipoppy]

My biggest issue is going from meeting someone a couple of times for coffee or something to them becoming a “friend”. Even people I’ve met up with loads of times never seem to cross over into being what I class as a close friend. I have a couple of close friends who I confide in and would go to with a problem but these are either people I’ve lived with, or have known for over 10 years! I can just never break through the awkward phase with new people, no matter how many times I see them it always feels like the friendship never progresses. Maybe I’m reading too much into it! Maybe that’s all friends need to be!

 

[dhochers]

Just found this thread and I relate so much. I turned 30 last week and I was actually relieved that it was during lockdown so I didn't have to come up with excuses for not having a big celebration! I had a group of friends in primary and secondary that basically bullied me but I had no one else so I stayed friends with them and after school finished they just stopped inviting me to things because we weren't seeing each other every day in school. I went to uni but lived at home and only made one good friend that I still stay in touch with. Theres a few others that I'd send the odd message on social media but I haven't actually seen them in years. It definitely gets harder to make friends the older you get and I'm single as well so I don't even have a partner to spend time with.

I don't really have any advice - just sympathy as I've got a similar story!

 

[prinnygrace]

I relate to this so much. I moved to a new city to work almost 2 years ago and have found it so hard to meet people here. I have friends in work but it’s not the kind of office where people socialise outside so it’s not like they’re proper “friends”. I rely SO much on my boyfriend for a social life and I proper miss the group of girlfriends I had at home and at uni. I ended up downloading bumble which has a part to it to make friends rather than dating even on there I find making conversation hard I’m quite awkward and shy unless someone speaks to me like they’ve known me years then I’m ok and outgoing!! Think I took it for granted how easy it was for me to make friends when I moved to uni and thought it would be just the same this time and it hasn’t been at all!

 

[jawidjanqndn]

a couple years back now i got myself in a very dark place to put it lightly, i had to leave school due to my depression & honestly didn’t leave the house for longer that i’d like to admit because of this i lost all my friends, literally not a single person messaged me when i suddenly left school & disappeared with no warning. i was very lonely in school as it was but i was expecting my bestfriend of like 10 years to reach out, she didn’t lol.

anyway that’s slightly off topic, fast forward to now i’m on antidepressants and doing a lot better mentally however i still have no friends. it makes me so sad if i’m honest, especially in the recent events of lockdown being partly lifted. seeing everyone out with their mates going to the pub, having picnics & garden parties just makes me want to delete every social media i own lol. i really don’t know what to do, i feel so bleeping alone. i have no one to talk to, hence why i’m on this thread it sucks and i find myself crying myself to sleep looking at all these people out with their mates, i cant help but compare myself and question why i have no one in my life. birthdays are tit for me as i get no birthday wishes, it’s awful and i’m desperate to have one happy year full of good memories. i am constantly alone and would just love to change this because it’s seriously ruining my life & im terrified of being alone my entire life.

anyway i don’t know how to start making friends or where to find them.. does anyone have any tips or advice on how i can make some friends?

 

[Warpaint]

a couple years back now i got myself in a very dark place to put it lightly, i had to leave school due to my depression & honestly didn’t leave the house for longer that i’d like to admit because of this i lost all my friends, literally not a single person messaged me when i suddenly left school & disappeared with no warning. i was very lonely in school as it was but i was expecting my bestfriend of like 10 years to reach out, she didn’t lol.

anyway that’s slightly off topic, fast forward to now i’m on antidepressants and doing a lot better mentally however i still have no friends. it makes me so sad if i’m honest, especially in the recent events of lockdown being partly lifted. seeing everyone out with their mates going to the pub, having picnics & garden parties just makes me want to delete every social media i own lol. i really don’t know what to do, i feel so bleeping alone. i have no one to talk to, hence why i’m on this thread it sucks and i find myself crying myself to sleep looking at all these people out with their mates, i cant help but compare myself and question why i have no one in my life. birthdays are tit for me as i get no birthday wishes, it’s awful and i’m desperate to have one happy year full of good memories. i am constantly alone and would just love to change this because it’s seriously ruining my life & im terrified of being alone my entire life.

anyway i don’t know how to start making friends or where to find them.. does anyone have any tips or advice on how i can make some friends?

What about volunteering in a sector you're interested in? With summer on its way I imagine there will be more opportunities out there. Or like outdoor social groups that match your interests. I'm thinking stuff like that as it gives you an instant connection/ice breaker with people as you're all on the same page kind of thing.

 

[Imonlyme]

a couple years back now i got myself in a very dark place to put it lightly, i had to leave school due to my depression & honestly didn’t leave the house for longer that i’d like to admit because of this i lost all my friends, literally not a single person messaged me when i suddenly left school & disappeared with no warning. i was very lonely in school as it was but i was expecting my bestfriend of like 10 years to reach out, she didn’t lol.

anyway that’s slightly off topic, fast forward to now i’m on antidepressants and doing a lot better mentally however i still have no friends. it makes me so sad if i’m honest, especially in the recent events of lockdown being partly lifted. seeing everyone out with their mates going to the pub, having picnics & garden parties just makes me want to delete every social media i own lol. i really don’t know what to do, i feel so bleeping alone. i have no one to talk to, hence why i’m on this thread it sucks and i find myself crying myself to sleep looking at all these people out with their mates, i cant help but compare myself and question why i have no one in my life. birthdays are tit for me as i get no birthday wishes, it’s awful and i’m desperate to have one happy year full of good memories. i am constantly alone and would just love to change this because it’s seriously ruining my life & im terrified of being alone my entire life.

anyway i don’t know how to start making friends or where to find them.. does anyone have any tips or advice on how i can make some friends?

I know how you feel. I don't really have any friends either and the ones I had when I was younger basically ditched me because I got pregnant at 17.

We eventually were friends again. (There were 3 of us) but again, I got ditched about 6 or 7 years ago because I couldn't go on my friends hen weekend abroad. I'm a single mother and was at college and not working at the time so had no childcare or spare money to justify a weekend abroad. So for that I was ostracised from the group. I was also going through a really rough time mentally but that didn't matter to my so called friends and I was completely cut off from them.

It was tough at the time, especially because everyone around me got invited to that particular friends wedding, including my boyfriend at the time, everyone, except for me was invited and I felt extremely embarrassed about it. But looking back I just know I'm better off without them as they obviously weren't my real friends anyway if they could be so cold towards me for something that was outwith my control.

I still don't have any proper friends and for the most part it doesn't bother me, but there is the odd time it gets to me to think that no one is even slightly bothered about me or even cares if I'm okay. But I wouldn't want a fake friend, so if that means having no friends, then I'm good with it.

As for how to make friends, we'll, I'm obviously no expert but I'm pretty sure there are websites for making friendships. Have a Google and see what's out there. Sending you love

 

[Bluejeanzz]

a couple years back now i got myself in a very dark place to put it lightly, i had to leave school due to my depression & honestly didn’t leave the house for longer that i’d like to admit because of this i lost all my friends, literally not a single person messaged me when i suddenly left school & disappeared with no warning. i was very lonely in school as it was but i was expecting my bestfriend of like 10 years to reach out, she didn’t lol.

anyway that’s slightly off topic, fast forward to now i’m on antidepressants and doing a lot better mentally however i still have no friends. it makes me so sad if i’m honest, especially in the recent events of lockdown being partly lifted. seeing everyone out with their mates going to the pub, having picnics & garden parties just makes me want to delete every social media i own lol. i really don’t know what to do, i feel so bleeping alone. i have no one to talk to, hence why i’m on this thread it sucks and i find myself crying myself to sleep looking at all these people out with their mates, i cant help but compare myself and question why i have no one in my life. birthdays are tit for me as i get no birthday wishes, it’s awful and i’m desperate to have one happy year full of good memories. i am constantly alone and would just love to change this because it’s seriously ruining my life & im terrified of being alone my entire life.

anyway i don’t know how to start making friends or where to find them.. does anyone have any tips or advice on how i can make some friends?

I’m sorry, I don’t have any advice as I relate to your situation so much but I’m sending you so much love and I’m glad you’re doing better mentally now (I love seeing you on the The Circle thread, ha! At least we’ve got each other over there for the time being xxx)

 

[jawidjanqndn]

I’m sorry, I don’t have any advice as I relate to your situation so much but I’m sending you so much love and I’m glad you’re doing better mentally now (I love seeing you on the The Circle thread, ha! At least we’ve got each other over there for the time being xxx)

ahhh hey fellow geezer gal i recognised u straight away sorry you relate though, you are hilarious on the circle thread. we’d get on irl im sure ahaha. sending you lots of love, & thanks so much. you will find your people i’m sure of it, you are fab

I know how you feel. I don't really have any friends either and the ones I had when I was younger basically ditched me because I got pregnant at 17.

We eventually were friends again. (There were 3 of us) but again, I got ditched about 6 or 7 years ago because I couldn't go on my friends hen weekend abroad. I'm a single mother and was at college and not working at the time so had no childcare or spare money to justify a weekend abroad. So for that I was ostracised from the group. I was also going through a really rough time mentally but that didn't matter to my so called friends and I was completely cut off from them.

It was tough at the time, especially because everyone around me got invited to that particular friends wedding, including my boyfriend at the time, everyone, except for me was invited and I felt extremely embarrassed about it. But looking back I just know I'm better off without them as they obviously weren't my real friends anyway if they could be so cold towards me for something that was outwith my control.

I still don't have any proper friends and for the most part it doesn't bother me, but there is the odd time it gets to me to think that no one is even slightly bothered about me or even cares if I'm okay. But I wouldn't want a fake friend, so if that means having no friends, then I'm good with it.

As for how to make friends, we'll, I'm obviously no expert but I'm pretty sure there are websites for making friendships. Have a Google and see what's out there. Sending you love

i completely agree. your story is awful, they seem like horrible people. i’ve always said that i’d rather have no friends than the fake ones that i used to have. you are absolutely better off without them, and i’m so glad you have that mindset and are happy majority of the time without having friends. i’ll definitely have a google, thank you all for your responses. after having a look at this thread and reading the replies some of you send i feel really seen & less alone. it’s so easy to think that you are the only person going through this, thanks so much guys

 

[no-no]

Reassuring to read this thread, just wish I knew more people like this in real life. I’m the only loner I know apart from my mum. I feel a lot of shame from it. I’ve had bad experiences with people and if I’m not in a relationship I’m completely on my tod. I don’t have a relationship with my family and it’s really hard sometimes as people always assume you’ve got something inherently wrong with you. It’s like you’re not to be trusted when the truth usually is you’ve had your trust broken too many times. I know I’m a good person but unwilling to open up to people. I don’t know if I ever will and it worries me as I get older.

 

[Onepotatotwopotato]

a couple years back now i got myself in a very dark place to put it lightly, i had to leave school due to my depression & honestly didn’t leave the house for longer that i’d like to admit because of this i lost all my friends, literally not a single person messaged me when i suddenly left school & disappeared with no warning. i was very lonely in school as it was but i was expecting my bestfriend of like 10 years to reach out, she didn’t lol.

anyway that’s slightly off topic, fast forward to now i’m on antidepressants and doing a lot better mentally however i still have no friends. it makes me so sad if i’m honest, especially in the recent events of lockdown being partly lifted. seeing everyone out with their mates going to the pub, having picnics & garden parties just makes me want to delete every social media i own lol. i really don’t know what to do, i feel so bleeping alone. i have no one to talk to, hence why i’m on this thread it sucks and i find myself crying myself to sleep looking at all these people out with their mates, i cant help but compare myself and question why i have no one in my life. birthdays are tit for me as i get no birthday wishes, it’s awful and i’m desperate to have one happy year full of good memories. i am constantly alone and would just love to change this because it’s seriously ruining my life & im terrified of being alone my entire life.

anyway i don’t know how to start making friends or where to find them.. does anyone have any tips or advice on how i can make some friends?

Have you tried downloading bumble bff, I was quite honest in my profile and said I was quite introverted and shy , and have had a few matches anyway! Only had it a few days but got a few good conversations going

 

[under the ivy]

I’ve tried to make friends with some other phd students - my supervisor set me up basically with another they’re supervising. We got on over Zoom and she added me to a whatsapp group with other phd students in my department. I just Cba Maybe it’s because I’m not used to group chats but I find it so draining. I’ve turned the notifications off and moved Whatsapp off my Home Screen.

I should help myself but talking in a group chat with people I’ve never met is jarring. I also dread birthdays because I only get cards off of family and 1 friend I made at university.

 

[Bitofthebubbly]

I ended up downloading bumble which has a part to it to make friends rather than dating even on there I find making conversation hard I’m quite awkward and shy unless someone speaks to me like they’ve known me years then I’m ok and outgoing!! Think I took it for granted how easy it was for me to make friends when I moved to uni and thought it would be just the same this time and it hasn’t been at all!

This is literally me! If someone speaks to me first I am a lot better at keeping the conversation going especially if they are ‘leading’ the conversation. Otherwise I’m sooooo awkward and shy, if I meet another shy person then it just goes nowhere. I’ve started wondering if people are mistaking my awkward shyness for being rude or aloof but I just don’t know if it’s that or how to change

 

[Ifyounoseyounose]

Hi, just looking for some advice. Recently split with my partner of 4.5years, we have a 2 year old together. Since splitting I feel terribly alone, I put my all into the relationship that I didn't realise how much I lived for him, sad I know. I have lost the few friends I did have. I am shy, have anxiety and lack confidence so find it hard to make new friends,
Being a single parent and working full time, I have no childcare when I'm not working (plus I want to spend my free time with my little one). I was just wondering how to meet new friends, I have downloaded the peanut app, but not really getting anywhere. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.