Anonymous wrote:Connections with people, friendships are highly correlated with long lives.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to socialize a lot, mostly because of kids, had a group of friend as well but that ended after a local move. Old real friendships faded through decades of distance. So my social life now is basically dh, in-laws (do not get along great but see them from time to time), my kids and ds's girlfriend. Occasionally I see neighbors and will chat for five minutes. Beyond that, it's just me in the house working (I am fully remote) and I love it and I have zero desire to meet new people, create new relationships. A friend from years ago was in town a few months ago and it was nice enough seeing her, but not like I'd have minded not seeing her or feel either way about seeing her again. Idk if this feeling is due to the group friendship ending weirdly and feeling some form of mourning over it, or just me getting older and being more jaded...Will I always feel that way? I miss how easy it all used to be making friends, but also don't like how seemingly meaningful friendships don't actually mean anything at all.

This sounds like a you problem? My old, real friendships haven't faded through decades of distance because I've nurtured them.

Congratulations, good for you. You happened upon some like minded people you get along with. Surely, you can sleep well at night safe in the knowledge of your superiority at not happening upon traumatic friendship pitfalls, you win!

Anonymous wrote:OP,

I feel similarly but am more worried than you seem to be. I worry about isolation later in life.

I like people but after a few minutes I am ready to be alone again. I think I erred by not nurturing old friendships and I am overwhelmed by the thought of what I'd have to do to reconnect.

And, I find myself more irritated by people lately, especially those who are very energetic, extroverted, and smiley. I know that sounds bad. but I am just too tired to match them. They seem happy and eager and I don't want to disappoint them or make them feel rejected so I just stay away. I guess it's an energy issue and I can't do the initial stages of getting to know you right now. I hope it changes in the future. Also, I didn't like how botox looked on me and so I am trying to not have to make all those really happy and excited facial expressions.