I actually have 0 friends

[MrsBsDayOff]

I have no friends either. I'm 45 now, and had loads of friends till I hit 30. Every weekend we were out, and during the week we would see each other.
I now feel really lonely, as I live on my own, and wouldn't be close to my family.
I have anxiety, and find it hard to make a connection with people.
I am in a walking group, great as it is, I haven't made friends with anyone. I have chats with them, but that's as far as it goes.
I am in a meet up group and we are going out next week, but again, I haven't really gelled with anyone.

I have anxiety too, controlled with medication and therapy. Personally I don't feel it has held me back socially but I can see how some would have a different experience.

I'm fine meeting new people but I can struggle after the initial introductions to keep the conversation going. I rely on my partner often in social situations. I don't have a great sense of humour so when someone in a social situation makes a joke or tries to be funny, I usually can't laugh, and it can come across as a bit strange to people who don't know me and stops me gelling with them. It used to bother me but I don't care anymore.

I know some people who prefer their own company and have done solo travelling around the world for 6 months or longer. I think I'd do it if I was single. I don't want to leave my partner and cat, and can't afford to take a career break of unpaid leave right now.

 

[Dot_Cotton]

When I was in school, I had loads of friends. Always on the phone to someone and always someone to go out with. But I had a baby young and it meant that I lost a lot of friends as obviously I couldn’t go out drinking with them. Since then my friends have got less and less. Probably 2 people I would say are friends. Mostly the people I knew are just so different to me now, still stuck in the past and haven’t grown up, no ambition, we just have nothing in common anymore. My closest friend now I didn’t meet until my 20’s at work so you will meet people you just click with.

 

[Justreading]

I was the same. At 20 I'd come out of a 5 year relationship and realised I'd lost all my friends in that time (more interested in him than friends!). I was suddenly single and friendless and it sucked!
I met my now husband online, felt pathetic doing online dating but there was no other option - have now realised everyone is doing it and it's normal.

I'm now mid thirties, I've made my friends through my children, we are friends as couples and as individuals however lots of our activities revolve around and include our children. And I know they were once in the same situation.

I'm not sure what advice to give as my life is (I'd assume) very different to your as in I have kids etc, but just wanted to say it is a pretty normal thing

 

[Em_]

I didn't have any friends really in my early 20's, due to growing apart and friends having boyfriends, I had a couple of years where I had no one. I started a new job and made friends there, the 2 friends I have now are from that job.
It is lonely and I feel the same, I'm early 40's and a stay at home mum. I've tried talking to the school mum's and attending a play group but I haven't made any friends, but I can't relate to the people where I live or my children's friends parents.
I have 2 friends now, but I hardly talk to them or see them as they don't live near me. I have a couple of online friends, but I don't see them, but that helps a little.
It is hard to make friends when you're older and especially if you're shy, which is my issue.
You're not alone, I know our situation is different, but I understand the loneliness you feel.

 

[oliviaobivia]

Oh guys this is really sad I will be ‘friends’ as much as I can be with any of you if you want. Do you have snapchat?

 

[Mmsa]

I think I was similar in my twenties. Then had a new job where I met some great people. Then met a partner who has lots of friends to introduce. It can change so quickly, hang in there. I think it's very common these days. I hope your job search brings up something soon x