Is this weird?

[Anonymous]

Not typical. Very rare I’m sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes, it's a massive red flag when a person has a lot of friends. Sometimes, it's a massive red flag when a person has no friends. It all depends on the reasons why. The idea that no friends is automatically a red flag is a very American mentality. I have lived in a dozen countries and in no other country have people been so obsessed at pointing out all the friends they have. Most other cultures pride themselves on keeping their circles small and few to no friends are considered smarter than a wide range of "friends" who typically won't be there for you.

Social interaction is hugely important for brain health as people age.

[Anonymous]

No, it’s not weird. Being introverted is common.

[Anonymous]

How old are you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spoke to a new guy I met somewhere that I go, we are not dating or romantically interested, and he asked who I hang out with. I told him, that I don’t have any friends. I said I sometimes I spend time with my parents.

He looked kinda confused and asked, “How do you not want friends?” I told him I just don’t feel the need for any, they’re not a benefit to my life. I’m good without any.

He then said it was “weird” that I have zero friends. Is that really so strange? I get that people value having a friend group, but is it odd to have zero friends?

It’s weird to say what you said.

Why are you even dating if you hate the concept of having friends?

Yes, you sound conceited and strange.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, it’s not weird. Being introverted is common.

Introverts often have a few very close friends. Being introverted is not the same as having no friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spoke to a new guy I met somewhere that I go, we are not dating or romantically interested, and he asked who I hang out with. I told him, that I don’t have any friends. I said I sometimes I spend time with my parents.

He looked kinda confused and asked, “How do you not want friends?” I told him I just don’t feel the need for any, they’re not a benefit to my life. I’m good without any.

He then said it was “weird” that I have zero friends. Is that really so strange? I get that people value having a friend group, but is it odd to have zero friends?

The word weird is judgmental but by weird I think he meant abnormal or outside the norm. It definitely is that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes, it's a massive red flag when a person has a lot of friends. Sometimes, it's a massive red flag when a person has no friends. It all depends on the reasons why. The idea that no friends is automatically a red flag is a very American mentality. I have lived in a dozen countries and in no other country have people been so obsessed at pointing out all the friends they have. Most other cultures pride themselves on keeping their circles small and few to no friends are considered smarter than a wide range of "friends" who typically won't be there for you.

Social interaction is hugely important for brain health as people age.

OP said she didn't have friends. She didn't say she lacks for "social interaction." In fact, she highlighted that she gets social interaction in the form of her parents and her post was about a conversation she had with someone. The fact that you don't find those interactions sufficient doesn't mean OP's brain health is at risk.

Moreover, studies indicate that positive stimulation of various parts of the brain associated with cognitive function (as opposed to the instinctual parts of the brain) is important for sustained brain health. Stress, however, is negatively correlated with brain health. So, to the degree social interactions with most people are stressful for OP, they will not promote her brain health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spoke to a new guy I met somewhere that I go, we are not dating or romantically interested, and he asked who I hang out with. I told him, that I don’t have any friends. I said I sometimes I spend time with my parents.

He looked kinda confused and asked, “How do you not want friends?” I told him I just don’t feel the need for any, they’re not a benefit to my life. I’m good without any.

He then said it was “weird” that I have zero friends. Is that really so strange? I get that people value having a friend group, but is it odd to have zero friends?

It's weird that an adult doesn't know to keep
his negative judgments to himself. I wouldn't put stock in what this rude person has to say.

[Anonymous]

It is a little unusual, just because most people like at least a friend or two in their lives. It is rare that a person actively chooses to have no friendships in their life.

That said, he’s rude for saying it’s weird. It’s not common, obviously, but nothing wrong with it if you like your situation. To give him the benefit of the doubt, I guess his friendships are really important to him so he can’t imagine a person choosing to live without.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. I see you, autistic OP. I have an autistic young adult son with no friends whatsoever, and an autistic teen daughter who has one friend, and who, when a classmate described himself as her friend, replied: "I don't classify you as a friend, because I don't know you well enough. You are a friendly acquaintance." And then her psychologist and I needed to explain at length how that was not quite a socially-appropriate answer.

High-functioning autism is not a big deal, but it will help, OP, if you go through life trying to improve your self-awareness, as well as accumulate reference points for what's "typical behavior" and what's "neurodivergent". There will be times you will have to mask, and times you can be yourself with people you trust.

Stop diagnosing people online. It’s rampant on this forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who cares if it’s weird? If this is a dealbreaker for him, send him packing. You are who you are, OP, and if someone isn’t comfortable with your truth, they are free to leave.

Next!

It’s cute you think she sends him packing. More likely he already rejected her.

[Anonymous]

I would think so.
I think everyone could benefit socially from having people in their life they can talk to as well as engage with socially.