[Skull&Crossbones]

Since the majority of my social outlets are going to be school related for the next year, I'm wondering if it's possible for sophomores/juniors in college to be at all interested in interacting with or being friends with someone who's 30 but in their classes? I don't look or act like I'm 30, but I know I'd have to hide things about my life if I'd want to make friends (especially younger). I would think they would assume I'm a loser but would erroneously assume I would think I'm above them if they find out my background.

Is it possible to make friends younger than you? If so, then how? Is it possible to be friends with someone and you can avoid talking about yourself for the most part?

[divine1966]

I was never a so called traditional student. I did both undergrad and grad school part time while working full time during the day and having a family. I never had traditional college life but I never thought of myself as a loser. And I certainly never avoided speaking about myself (although I am rather private).

I’d say it’s probably harder to make friends in college if you aren’t there full time simply because you don’t have as much time and similar experiences. But it’s likely doable. Now would you even want to make friends with much younger people? Would they share the same experiences?

My best friend is actually my friend since college and we were both non traditional students at the time, we’ve been friends for many years now.

When I was in grad school, I made zero friends because I had zero time and zero interest in making friends but others did make friends. So it’s always possible

[Skull&Crossbones]

Well, I wasn't allowed to work full time because all my classes are during the day (except one that's online) and that's when my job was. I have four classes right now which all have a lot of homework. It feels like as much if not more than when I was full time in grad school. I can only keep up with contract work right now but I start adding more evening hours next week.

You see, I'm a loser simply because I can't work full time and go to school. Even if they weren't at the same time.

I'm also a loser because I'm not married at my age. I should relate to them pretty well then. I have no idea if they can tell how old I am. I usually come across around 23 so I should seem about the same age anyway.

And it matters less if I relate to them but if I feel inferior to them or not. I'm going to avoid people my age because I AM inferior to them, but college students I may be more equal to.

[ShadowGX]

My mom went back to school at the age of 55 while everyone else was much younger than her and still made friends with a few people. Age will have little to nothing to do with it.

[divine1966]

I hope you can see a therapist? If you aren’t seeing one, there surely is something available in college, like therapy etc

Not being married doesnt make one a loser at any age, certainly not at 30. Ton of college degrees do not allow working full time. Etc I was just sharing my experience, not telling you that you should work and go to school

[Skull&Crossbones]

I do see one but I'm not sure how much help it is. She was originally our couple's counselor so she at least knows about my relationship and how that affected me.

Nothing I do is ever enough though. That's always been the problem with everything. I just keep thinking about my ex telling me about jobs he didn't apply for because of the culture. Religious private colleges. So they wouldn't like the fact that we weren't married but even more damning is my sexuality and gender identity. Even if he didn't want to apply because he didn't share the religion, why say that? Why make it a point to mention that me being a freak holds him back? Why say all the right things like "I like you for you" when you really don't? I mean, it's a rhetorical question, but still.

[Skull&Crossbones]

Originally Posted by ShadowGX

My mom went back to school at the age of 55 while everyone else was much younger than her and still made friends with a few people. Age will have little to nothing to do with it.

Also...thank you, that at least gives me some hope.