Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know about 25 people in my adjacent streets, to say hello to and wave. Maybe one or two will stop with their dogs for a few minutes and chat. That is pretty much it.

But we're from overseas and people view us with a sense of impermanence and possibly distrust, despite the fact we've lived here over a decade and own our home.

but that's ok because most of the folks around here are super boring and I can only handle small doses.

Yes...it must be the others who are off-putting with their sense of impermanence and distrust.

You need to work on your reading comprehension.

I am too mentally exhausted with kids + job to even think about forming a friendship with someone new. I have acquaintances from work and kids' sports and friends from college. When I should be socializing, I'm sleeping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to the Ben and Jen thread in the entertainment board, Angelina Jolie has no friends.

Sorry BRAD and Jen.

LOL
It's easy to get them mixed up.

Anonymous wrote:According to the Ben and Jen thread in the entertainment board, Angelina Jolie has no friends.

Sorry BRAD and Jen.

According to the Ben and Jen thread in the entertainment board, Angelina Jolie has no friends.

I have no friends or family close by. My family only calls me when they need money. They don't care how I am really, they just care if I can help them out. I've come to terms with that so it no longer bothers me. I'm alone but rarely lonely because I entertain myself. Was thinking about this subject recently. I choose not to make friends because I don't have the energy to do the friend's thing nor do I want to hear every tidbit of their lives. Honestly, my life schedule doesn't permit it. Most everyone around me works so I don't have anything to contribute to a friendship. I find it to be exhausting just thinking about it. My life would seem strange to anyone so I keep it to myself. I unplugged my house phone over a year ago and only turn my cell phone on during the hours I'm awake. Only 3 people have my number. I just don't want to be bothered. In my world there is nothing wrong with being non social. I don't feel the need to be social. If I did I'd just go grocery shopping. The stores are full of people. When I had kids at home I did what I had to do be the parental face but I hated it. I'm not shy. I just don't like being something I'm not. My husband is very people loving and enjoys being around others. I still don't know how we came to be together. I guess opposites do attract.

Making friends is easy, growing that friendship is hard. It takes work. I don't want to work it.

My husband is my best friend so I do things with him. It's the way I like it.

I have friends but have made a conscious decision to find new ones. My husband, who was/is a functional alcoholic, is now in treatment for it. I feel that we can no longer socialize among the circles we used to since they all revolve around alcohol. I'm at a loss of finding new friends around here who do not drink. I've thought of starting a meet up for like minded people but haven't gotten around to it yet.

GUYS! Get some friends stat! Someday soon, before you know it, the kids will be grown and out of the house and then it'll just be you and your spouse. Who will you spend all of your time with?

When I was just starting out in my career, I was newly married and so work-obsessed that I didn't think I needed to make time to spend with friends. But as I've had kids and gotten older, I see so clearly that friendships get you through the hard times. My parents have always had a lot of really close friends and it's been a lifesaver for them in retirement. Of course they have us kids and their grandkids, but we are all so busy every day with work and school so it is great that they have a tight-knit circle of friends to go out with every day. It keeps them happy and healthy and feeling young.

Never underestimate the power of your social circle (family and friends)! They will help you and you will help them - in good times and in bad, just like your spouse. That is what connection and love is all about! xoxo

I feel like I haven't made any friends since high school - although I made one in college. I moved to the DC area after college and have no friends except the few I've tried to keep from my hometown (but see at most 1x a year). I had one woman I was close to at work but we lived in opposite directions from work and had small kids so we never did anything outside of work. Then I left that job and its been hard to stay in touch with her.

I'm lonely but keep busy enough with kids and work to not dwell on it much.

What about the parents of your kids classmates? That's who most of my friends are and I would say we have deep and significant friends by this point. Do you feel there is anyone among them who could be a candidate?

Anonymous wrote:I know about 25 people in my adjacent streets, to say hello to and wave. Maybe one or two will stop with their dogs for a few minutes and chat. That is pretty much it.

But we're from overseas and people view us with a sense of impermanence and possibly distrust, despite the fact we've lived here over a decade and own our home.

but that's ok because most of the folks around here are super boring and I can only handle small doses.

Yes...it must be the others who are off-putting with their sense of impermanence and distrust.

I know about 25 people in my adjacent streets, to say hello to and wave. Maybe one or two will stop with their dogs for a few minutes and chat. That is pretty much it.

But we're from overseas and people view us with a sense of impermanence and possibly distrust, despite the fact we've lived here over a decade and own our home.

but that's ok because most of the folks around here are super boring and I can only handle small doses.

I don't have any friends. Lots of people I know, get together with on the odd occasion, but no one to go deep with. I'm an only child, married with 3 kids. I do miss having female friendships, especially since when I get together with my childhood friends the connection and sense of kinship I feel are amazing. But overall I don't crave or miss friendships.

I'm as unwilling to invest in friendships as most other moms in my position. Too busy with family etc. I have also moved around a bunch. A rolling stone gathers no moss! To be honest, being friendless is as terrifying as it is absolutely liberating.

No local friends either.

We moved about 18 months ago and I have acquaintances, but no one I talk or text with regularly. It has been the most "togetherness" I have had with my DH and children since they were born. We made an effort to connect with other families by planning or inviting or hosting - some worked, some fell flat (not a whole lot in common), and the others were too busy. I'm extroverted, and I'm sort of coming to terms that I don't have any girlfriends to talk to.

I’ve lived many places and the DC area is a VERY difficult place to form deep friendships. People here either are transient, grew up here and have a group they’ve known for a long time, or are hyper-competitive about their kids to the point where they will befriend you to get info from you and then bail as soon as you outlive your usefulness. Harsh, but that’s my take. And really, what kind of excuse is “people are too busy” to make friends? That’s just messed up IMO.

Anyhow, OP, you’re not alone. And don’t doubt your own self-worth.