I feel the exact same way as you do in many regards to some aspects of my former social life. Surprisingly, the "cliquey" vibe that is stereotypical of quite a few high school students seemed to be the case with many social groups at my uni where I just completed undergrad and grad school. Would I repeat the whole 6 years of this uni if I had the choice? Sure, the quirky traditions made my school charming and unique. But the social life? No stinkin way man.

I agree that when people tend to pitch in and give their two cents about a situation (as is typical with my parents), and sometimes frame it as fact that it makes us feel worse. But your feelings about the situation on both sides are valid and understandable. In the media age where literally thousands of people can populate a person's page, it's become hard to even pull someone's name up in a friend list. But I can also understand too that the flip-side of the situation is also possible. True friends though, will never see you as just a cluster of superficial fleeting characteristics (whose hot? whose not? how many fb friends can I handle), nor will they exclude you without clear communication. For me a rule of thumb is if awkwardness ensues even when you're catching up with a friend, they may not be the best person to keep a close personal relationship with.

As for not being part of a "group" it's ok to go through periods where life is like that. In a way I admire people like yourself because being confined to a group can often leave you in a box! Of course it's not always like that but this is what I have learned from leaving many of the "cliquey" groups I mentioned at the beginning.

How disencouraging that you are dealing with the absence of real friends on top of what you're already facing! But the truth is you are never alone in what you are experiencing! When I have left a lot of my crummy situations I had in college, I had a blank slate for awhile, with no one to talk to or share my problems with, especially when many of my more permanent friends left my town, leaving behind my less than desirable "friends". But as soon as I reconnected with my best friend who lives 90 miles away, this seemed to open up a new level of friendship that I never experienced when I was overwhelmed with social obligations before. At the same time, when I did the same with my closest relationships from early on, it also allowed me to reconnect with many of my old friends I have had almost since the very beginning, many of them who I have seen in recent times. Enough of my experience though, the takeaway from my last point is never give up in seeking true relationships! You will be rewarded for seeking quality over quantity in your true friendships!

Be hugged and be blessed! :hug