Quote:
Originally Posted by growlycat
I struggle with meeting people. At my age (40's) everyone seems to have well established lives and no room for "one more friend".
What do you like to do in your free time? Have you ever tried taking a class or volunteering? I know, having GAD myself that being social while anxious is very hard. Sometimes I have to force myself to be social.
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I'm in my 20s and face the same issue with people having well established lives.
I've tried meetup.com, mental health support groups, hobby groups and volunteering during the rare times where I've overcome social anxiety.
Yet I don't even make more than very casual "hi bye" acquaintances. I feel like I remain on the fringe of groups or never fit in.
I'm finishing a short counseling certificate (quite proud that I managed to heal my social anxiety enough to join) but have only made 2 superficial connections.
Other people treat me like I'm invisible despite me trying to smile and look approachable. I think they pick up on my anxiety and discomfort.
While my GAD has subsided a lot, I'm starting to wonder why I've never ever been able to make friends offline. I'm not even talking about close friends, but acquaintances to have an occasional lunch or coffee with.
My pattern seems to be -- I meet strangers, we seem tolike each other, but things fizzle out/they start ignoring me/no return invites after 1-2 meets.
It's puzzling!