[Sterella]

I want friends so desperately it twists like a knife in my chest.

I see other people talking and laughing and I get so jealous. I ask myself, what made them come together? what could be so interesting to keep them together everyday? I don't understand how to socially function beyond formalities and general acquaintance. When someone tries to offer me their phone number, or if they want to "hang out" with me, I panic.

I want to know how to not freak out. I tend to avoid someone if they offer to be anything more than acquaintances because I am scared they will think I am boring. I don't understand what it is that people talk about all day every day to one another that can keep a relationship of any kind together! Gosh, I feel so inadequate right now its ridiculous.

Any tips? Ideas? What am I not seeing?!

[Silentgirl19]

Originally Posted by Sterella

I want friends so desperately it twists like a knife in my chest.

I see other people talking and laughing and I get so jealous. I ask myself, what made them come together? what could be so interesting to keep them together everyday? I don't understand how to socially function beyond formalities and general acquaintance. When someone tries to offer me their phone number, or if they want to "hang out" with me, I panic.

I want to know how to not freak out. I tend to avoid someone if they offer to be anything more than acquaintances because I am scared they will think I am boring. I don't understand what it is that people talk about all day every day to one another that can keep a relationship of any kind together! Gosh, I feel so inadequate right now its ridiculous.

Any tips? Ideas? What am I not seeing?!

I kind of have this same problem. I wasn't always like this though. I used to have a lot of friends when I was younger, but then after some things went down, I withdrew. I got quieter and quieter and before I knew it, it was like I had lost my ability to converse and make friends like a normal person. Like after so many years of silence, I couldn't go back being the way I used to be.

Do you feel this way around everyone or just people you aren't comfortable with? I know I'm fine with my family and best friend of like 8 years because I've known them forever. But anyone I met after the age of like 13 I haven't been able to build a meaningful relationship with.

I get the panicking. Some people experience some social anxiety. I would try joining some clubs you're interested in or volunteering somewhere. That'll give you a good opportunity to meet a new people and you guys will have something in common to get you guys started talking. After that you can't go wrong with questions. Just ask them a bunch of questions. It might be a little awkward at first but after some time you're bound to have something in common and can talk about that.

[5678scream]

I'm sorry I don't have much advice to give. I've been where you're at. I am there now. so if anything, know that you are not alone in this battle, that I am not along in this battle thank you for posting. I know you are looking for answers and I have none to give, but it has been comforting knowing that someone (you) is out there like me. so at least know that you are not alone. can I say that again, you are not alone. best of luck and feel free to pm me if wanted.