This stood out to me. It's very likely a "cause and effect" that too many crappy things have happened and they're tired of hearing it.

I've known people like this. Conversations with them can be emotionally draining and they often don't see or understand how they could have prevented some of it. Sometimes it's really about making poor choices for oneself to the point they're forevee in this "poor me" state.

People want to be surrounded by positive and fun people. If we have long standing friends (from high school) it's hard to cut off those friendships, even if it's no longer serving a function. Some people simply can't cut people out.. so they carry on, making surface conversations and not investing in much more.

So, you're 50 years old. You've had a hard life (I'm assuming) and feel disconnected from the world. That's a tough place to be, and I can surely relate.

So what can you do? Appreciate the friendships that are worthy enough for you and cut out those who no longer seem like they have any interest in your life. I'd also take ownership to some of this, as a way to reflect and repair relationships, this day forward.

We can't change what's already happened. We can't also expect our friends to be our therapists, either. Find the balance.