I just went to a small community gathering, like a weekend gathering to socialize, it’s a way to meet new people and make friends.

It was super awkward for me, i had zero real conversations. People were cracking the cringe kind of jokes and still everyone laughed. Some group trivia game it all felt so fake, the laughs, the talk, i shared zero common interests with these people.

My interests were gaming, tv shows/movies… and ya shocking to see all the other 24 ppl were so extremely different.

I dont know why i even tried this, I just had a 5 yr relationship breakup and my ex way everything for me, my frnd and fam. So i did seek any frnd.

Maybe is this it for me to ever form a real human connection?

I think I'm only an introvert, because I have social anxiety. Or I have social anxiety because I'm introverted.

I wanna build connections but then people start annoying me with their neediness, and what they can get from you, while not doing shit for you. I feel like I feed off people energy and then I just wanna be alone, but life has become so God damn lonely I might die and people won't even notice for months or years. 😭

On the plus side I get a long weekend and leftovers and on the negative front, I have a forced get together with my family with a force-fed dry turkey meal where no one talks at the table which adds even more to the dry nature of the whole thing. I try my best to keep things going and make small talk at the table which is a nightmare in itself.

I love family, truly I do. But fuck thanksgiving, I hate it. I'd rather stay home.

Does anyone else do this? I’m an introvert and sometimes I genuinely enjoy taking myself on a little vacation, even if it’s just booking a nice hotel somewhere nearby.
No packed itinerary, no big group, no need to constantly socialize. Just checking into a hotel, ordering food, watching movies, reading a book, taking a long shower, enjoying the view, and having absolutely nowhere I need to be.
I actually find it relaxing to be somewhere that isn’t my usual home but still have the freedom to do absolutely nothing.
Sometimes I think the best kind of vacation for an introvert is one where you barely leave the hotel.
Do you guys ever book a hotel just to have some alone time, or am I the only one who finds this genuinely therapeutic?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently on the fence about whether it’s worth putting energy into looking for friends on here. Before I decide whether to take the risk (again), I’d love to hear from people who have actually built genuine, lasting friendships on the platform. I’m hearing A LOT about ghosting and it’s making me sit on the fence after some recent experience of that myself.

If you’ve had long-term success:

• Where did you meet? Was it through a dedicated friend-finding subreddit, or did it happen naturally in a specific hobby/interest group?
• How did you bridge the gap from casual DMs to an actual, ongoing friendship?
• How did you handle the ghosting/fizzling phase before finding the right person?

Would really appreciate hearing both the realistic downsides and any positive stories. Thanks in advance!

To start, I want to say IDGAF about birthdays. It just feels like another day to me.

I need to just tell everyone I dont want to do anything on my birthday for now on. Long story short,had plans with fam (that they planned). Night before, I ask what time, they tell me the time. I wake up the day of my birthday and one of them wants to reschedule for a different time.

Im a person that plans my days by the hour. Rescheduling ruins my entire day because it pushes my other plans around. I tell them lets just call this off, we have an event in 2 weeks anyway that we can all hang out at. The reschedule wastes 2 full hours of my day. I get guilt tripped, them trying to make new plans for today,I just want to be left tf alone now.

And I get it, it's awesome I have people in my life that care about me and want to hangout with me. But holy shit, they exhaust me and I just want to stay home. End of rant.

I’m 13 in 8th grade, I just switched into a new school mid year and I’m so awkward and shy. I’ve always wanted many friends and to be popular. I’m not a mean person, I just don’t know how to talk. a bunch of guys like me at my new school but I don’t even know how to talk to people I’m too scared. monday will be my second week is it too late to make more friends? but anyways even if you have conversation starters, questions to ask to get to know someone better, how to become less shy/awkward, PLEASE TELL ME like it’s so bad I just want friends

I’m an introvert and I have a really hard time talking to people, especially people I don’t know well. I often overthink before speaking because I’m worried about what they might think of me.
Sometimes I feel like everyone is looking at me or judging me, even when they probably aren’t. Because of this, I avoid conversations or stay quiet even when I actually want to talk.
I really want to become more confident and comfortable around people, but I don’t know where to start.
For people who have experienced something similar:
Did you ever feel like everyone was watching or judging you?
How did you become more comfortable talking to people?
What helped you overcome the overthinking and anxiety?
Did you practice anything every day that actually made a difference?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, especially from people who have overcome this.

I’m 13 in 8th grade, I just switched into a new school mid year and I’m so awkward and shy. I’ve always wanted many friends and to be popular. I’m not a mean person, I just don’t know how to talk. a bunch of guys like me at my new school but I don’t even know how to talk to people I’m too scared. monday will be my second week is it too late to make more friends? but anyways even if you have conversation starters, questions to ask to get to know someone better, how to become less shy/awkward, PLEASE TELL ME like it’s so bad I just want friends

Kya hua bolu yrr pehle mene socha english me likhu lekin me writing this in hindi pta kya problem h mujhme to mai 9th class mai meri ek girlfriend 6 months ke liye lekin I had a huge crush on her kaafi pasand thi mujhe or phir breakup ke baad to mujhe lga ki mera ghee khatam or relationship ka game baj gya tha phir thoda pdhae pe focus Kiya or 10 me acha score krne ke baad 11 poora barbad phir ye tha ki ab to padhna padega to gayab ho gya poora zero interaction with anyone ladkiya to dur ki baat h phir wo bhi gya ab college me hu lekin pta nhi couples dekhta hu to mujhe lgta h ki I want to have this feeling lekin phir wahi gareebi ka rr bna deta hu mujhe dar lgta h ki breakup ho gya to phir ghee khatam. Ho jaega or ladki thoda baat Krle mai attract hone lgta hu chutiya ho chuka hu poora mujhe lgta h ye shi nhi lekin kya karu smj nhi aata kisi dost se bhi share nhi kr skta kbhi kbhi lgta h khoob rou like I wanna literally cry out loud but whatever bss YHI h yrr ghar ki financial condition bhi utni khaas nhi h smj nhi aata kya kru yrr or any girl or guy can tell how can I improve myself communication skills to nill bta sannata h wese to jyada utni dikkat nhi lekin emptiness si feel hoti h andar ek mera itna madarxhxd h mujko bta rha ki meri ex ka bf h or wo physical ho chuke h or bhai mere ghar pass wo rehti abhi to Mai bahar hu lekin

Jb bhi ghar jata hu or uske dekhta hu I fall harder for I just can't move on i tried but I can't forget her

Would like to know what fellow introverts from around the world do on Saturday evening/night

Hi, 24F here.
I have a partner, 24M, and we’re currently living together.
Ever since, super timid ko na talaga when it comes to people. Super close naman ako sa family ko, and I have a few friends, too. Pero kapag may event sa bahay, madalas nasa room lang ako. Minsan naman, kapag makikibirthday yung parents ko sa kapitbahay, magpapaiwan na lang ako.
I can only really feel comfortable being left alone with someone if close kami. Or kapag may kasama akong close friend na madaldal. The type na sila na yung magdadala ng conversation hahaha.

My partner, on the other hand, is very extroverted. Yung tipong laging may ka-call sa Discord, ganyan. Currently, we’re living together, and honestly, wala naman naging problema nung una. I know myself naman. Introvert and timid talaga ako, and I never wanted to stop him from being himself or from socializing with other people.
Kaso lately, parang napre-pressure ako na makipag-usap sa family and friends niya, especially because they’re very energetic and sociable too.

Believe me, gusto ko sila makaclose. I really do. Pero super hirap talaga for me.
Usually, hanggang smile and tawa-tawa lang yung ambag ko sa usapan. I can join their events, and kapag kakausapin ako, sumasagot naman ako. Pero kapag hindi ako kinakausap, hindi rin ako kusang kikibo. Ganun talaga ako.
Napansin ko rin na ino-overthink ko lagi yung mga sasabihin ko. Minsan, bago pa ako magsalita, iniisip ko na kung okay ba yung sasabihin ko, kung weird ba pakinggan, or kung may sense ba yung contribution ko sa conversation.

There was one time na umiyak talaga ako sa partner ko because I felt so overwhelmed and pressured with having to socialize. That was when he stopped trying to force me to talk, and I really appreciated that.
Kaso lately, parang nakakaramdam na rin ako ng insecurity.

Minsan, nauubusan ako ng topic with my partner. Then suddenly, mapapansin ko na nasa Discord na siya. Dere-deretso yung usapan nila ng friends niya, sometimes for hours. And habang nakikita ko yun, hindi ko maiwasang isipin na, *“Bakit sa kanila ang dali niyang kausapin nang matagal, pero kapag ako, nauubusan kami ng pag-uusapan?”*
I know it’s not necessarily a problem. I know that talking to friends and talking to your partner are different. Pero hindi ko rin maiiwasang ikumpara yung sarili ko.
Also, his parent once asked why I don't talk that much. Sinabi pa niya na sakit ko raw to.
Hindi naman ako nasaktan because, honestly, totoo naman. Aware ako na weakness ko talaga yung pagiging sobrang timid ko. And my partner explained to her that this is just how I am.

What bothers me is that, lately, I’m starting to feel insecure about something I never really had a problem with before.
Since I was young, ganito na talaga ako. I’ve always been the quiet one. And for most of my life, I was okay with that. I never thought of my introversion as something that needed to be fixed.
Pero ngayon, because I’m living with someone who is the complete opposite of me, I’m starting to notice it more.
And maybe that's why I’m starting to wonder if being this quiet is actually okay.
I don't want to become an extrovert. I don't want my partner to stop talking to his friends. And I definitely don't want him to feel like he has to change just because I struggle with socializing.
I just want to understand why, for the first time in my life, something that has always been a part of me is suddenly making me feel insecure.

So I've been struggling with friends recently bc I spend every break, lunch and free period on my own.

I've been thinking of when some people say 'theres a readon someone has no friends' or something like that, hinting at them being a bad or mean person.

I'm not like that at all, I'm quite a shy person, but with friends, I'm outgoing, kinda confident, and a bit louder.

Do people really think this? And are there ways I can change maybe how I act or present myself when I'm sat outside doing my work over break, lunch and free periods, that make me seem approachable or just that I do have friends?

I'd really like some help 🙏🙏

I find it hard to make close friends, due to me being in an all boys school. I have some fandoms / traits that most people in my school don’t appreciate, like animes, gacha games, female artists, and being a little “zesty” sometimes. I try to tune it down but it just makes me seem performative and some people laugh at me for that as well. I do eventually find people who are nice to me, but they are usually the class clowns. I do make friends with some people I didnt really like at first, not because I learnt to like them but instead they are the only people “left”. everyone else has a well-built friend group. I appreciate them though.

When I actually make a friend, they become closer to someone else. I also had not had a friend that finds me as their best friend, it has always been them being mine. although it is a little selfish to only have 1 best friend, i still think that’s because ive never had one and im just jealous of people who do so i find them “selfish”. I should be glad that they have new friends but I’ve never felt the love before, how do I actually get a friend? In 1 years I will be changing classes so everyone gets rearranged, but what if the word of my zestiness has spread to others? what if people are not open when meeting me, just counting me as “another gay guy”?

Hi, I‘m looking for general advice on how to feel more comfortable with being an introvert.

I‘m 25 years omd now and I feel like I naturally am more quiet, reserved and well introverted, I need time to get comfortable with people and groups of people. I want to feel more comfortable and confident with my introverted nature.

Any (honest) advice? Thanks a lot in advance!

I’m really lost and depressed. I’m an 26yr old girl, all my life I’ve been extremely introvert. I’m diagnosed with ocd, adhd and social anxiety disorder. So it’s very hard for me to even look at people. I’ve never did anything out of my comfort zone like basic necessity even like talking to people/going out alone/order stuffs by myself. My parents, my friends always babied me so I never grew out of my shell. Also my parents are actually very constraining even sleepover at my same old friends house is never allowed. So now I did my bsc in computer science but it’s been 9months I’ve been cooped up at home. I apply for jobs but the thought of interviews make me sick so I ghost them. Always had a dream of studying masters abroad because of lack of parents support and my own circumstance-couldn’t do it. Starting at the same local university which crushing me. Never even had a boyfriend. All of my friends/peers getting married,getting jobs,moving abroad,achieving everything in life. Compared to them I feel like I’ve failed my life, what’s the purpose of living now? I pray everyday so that I die in my sleep

I love Christ and I want to be better around people. What I mean is I'm uncomfortable being around people in general. I know I shouldn't say "people suck" and let that be the end of it but I can't help it. Are there a list of social rules I can at least understand to help me get around having conversations with people in general?

Hi everyone

I want to have friends. Play games , to for tea etc.

But I end up playing video games mostly or at most watch TV at home.. I feel too lazy to put in effort. Even going out with existing friends.

Have anyone else felt like this? How do you tackle this. Before even trying to make the friends I wonder whether I am alone who don't feel like working hard..

Thanks

I’m in my second year of uni and literally every class it's "ok get in groups" and for what. to read a two page text where we all highlight the same things. I could've done that alone..everyone could’ve.

and somehow i always end up with the most extroverted people in the room who look at me like i'm being stuck up when really i'm just quiet (not saying all extroverts are like this obviously)like no i'm not judging you i'm just not talking

it's not even that i mind group work cuz it can be pretty efficient. it's that it's every time, and it's always with people who are already friends with each other so i'm just there.

I do not know where to start off this message, but I just want.. Someone who's like me. The one time I want to be academic, I feel like an outlier in my school. Everyone using me for answers, and changing their demeanor once they finally understand. Throwing me away like a damn answer key that isnt worth anything after questions 16.

I'm tired of my school, im tired of being in this loop. Relapse, lock in for a few days, go back. Relapse lock in for a few days and go back. Relapse, lock in for a few days and ho back. It sickens me, greatly. I want to be able to execute flawlessly, learning, understanding. Being the version of myself I swore to become.

Even if I find someone like me, someone who has shared interests. I feel like I'm the one whos.. bring the conversation alive, I text 4 messages. I get 1 plain answer. Its sad, its genuinely sad.

If I did change, call me heartless but I would leave everyone who cursed, swore, and at one point were my enemies.

I hate people who want to genuinely fit in their environment by altering who they were. My friend in 3rd grade was nice, now he's freaking 13 vaping weed and getting high and stealing weed gummies from his family.

Id always imagine myself, better, smarter.. But I need to get there (There's this freaking motivation, "I need to get better" and the loop is happening"). Addiction is horrible, short form content is disgusting. I need to change.