I have no Friends...

I don't have any close friends who lives close by to me. It's very hard for me to find any friends in my area. Before I lived in Maryland and I had a lot of lovely friends there and than I moved and since than I haven't made any friends. Everything has changed, I simply don't know anyone in my area and I'm depressed cause of this. That's not all though: I'm scared to make friends cause I'm afraid they won't like me or nervous that they'll pick on me... or bully me. All my life I've been bullied, picked on or betrayed in the end. Now it's extremely hard for me to trust people, I really want friends but my fear is controlling my life. All the friends I do have are online and I know not many of them will stick around and always be by my side. This only depresses me more...

I'm sorry to hear that Blue... how long have you been living in your new place? It can be really hard to meet people. Did you move for school or for work? It can start with just a simple hello to someone who you see around quite often. Start with chit-chat and if they seem interesting over time, take the plunge and invite them for coffee or something. They might say yes, they might say no. It's ok either way because you don't know them and might end up despising them yourself (Yeah, I know, nearly impossible to convince yourself of it... I'm sooo useless at it too... takes me months and months to finally hang out with someone who I talk to frequently).

Have you looked into any clubs or classes in the area? You could always attend something like that - at least you'll know that there's one thing you have in common with everyone there. You can start out by chatting about that particular activity, and then it usually branches out. At least it would be a bit of social interaction, even if it never goes further than that.

And the worry about betrayal and rejection? I toootally hear you on that. You could opt to keep things much more casual and keep people as aquaintances for as long as you need/want to. Nothing says that you have to start trusting and confiding in someone, even though that would ultimately be lovely.

I remember a long time ago my parents would switch back and forth between moving from MD to DC and then back to MD again. It was a hassle and I couldn't keep friends for long. I've been living for several years in MD now and I still don't have friends. I hate it so much. :\

So I can feel your pain and I'm very sorry.

I completely agree with panda's advice though.

I'm in the same situation. I get it. I'll be your friend!

(((((((( BlueWeepingRose )))))))

I'm sorry you are having trouble making friends. Agree that joining clubs is a good way to start. I used to quilt when I wasn't depressed and went to the monthly Quilt Group Meeting. I always had a good time and I usually wound up talking to different people each time I went. Find something you are interested in and either join a group or take a class. It's hard at first but gets easier.