I do have a friend group and we go out all the time. At least once or twice a week for me although they go out even more often. Some of the women in the group can be pretty shitty to each other. That is the only tough thing to deal with.

I have several friend groups: a small group of local girlfriends whom I see as a group and individually; a group of gym pals who also get together outside the gym; a group of lifelong long-distance friends I see several times a year and with whom I have very frequent chats (these are the people I travel with and with whom I celebrate most milestone occasions); a group of work friends that I occasionally socialize with (due to telework and retirements we don’t get together as frequently these days).

I have multiple friend groups. A group from college, my current group I met after college, some mom friends from when our daughters were younger. Some people I've met at my favorite local happy hour spot. A group of friends who like to go to concerts. Friends I've met at my favorite beach town. I'm single so friendships are extra important to me.

Some of the friendships are deeper than others. Some people in those groups are more like acquaintances. I'm also one of those people who enjoys talking to strangers. But those people still matter. Human connection matters. Some of you people who scoff at friend groups make me sad - that sounds so lonely.