Struggling as an Introvert: Anyone Else Feeling Lonely and Finding It Hard to Make Friends?

[justmeagain]

It looks like it's really hard for you to open up to other people... perhaps you could start with having a pen pal? I mean write actual letters there is no time pressure and you can re write it as many time as you want. I'm also an introvert. Been quite ok with pushing myself slowly to open up but I still sometimes get those anxiety attacks after talking to someone thinking I over shared! we probably think too much what others think about us while they probably don't give a hoot!

 

[horace72]

@justmeagain I do this, and by email

 

[marc16]

@justmeagain I just don't see point in opening up to people? Unless you've known them long enough to know your life. I'm open and honest about my mental health but I do that in case anyone else is suffering to know they are not alone and I understand. But I don't see why I'd open up to a stranger or someone iv known a short time bit strange

 

[iamdrewsmama]

I’m like this too, but I pushed myself to go for a curry with school mums and been on a couple of other nights with them and really enjoyed it. I try plan to go for a coffee with a couple of friends that I have but often cancel as I’m so burnt out. I like going shopping on my own and have a cheeky meal out on my own while I’m there I know what you mean though, we have a womens wellbeing group set up near us, maybe see if there’s one near you.. might be a good place to start to meet other women with things in common x

 

[slade1995]

Do the kids go to the park after school? Maybe there will be 1 or 2 mums you have stuff in common with? You can exchange trivia about the kids then attend to your child when you've had enough? If there's a WhatsApp group then you have people's numbers to arrange a playdate for the kids whilst you chat. I did this and now have 2 or 3 mums I meet up with at parks or our houses. There are still some that ignore me or are cliquey but that's up to them!

 

[marc16]

@slade1995 yeah we go to the park, say hello that's it others have there clicks and very bitchy. Had a WhatsApp group going off I was just ignored everytime I said anything so I left the group. Wasn't part of the click x

 

[slade1995]

@marc16 that's awful. Forget that one then! Maybe a new child will come to the school and become friends with your child and you will get on with the mum, you never know!

 

[marc16]

@slade1995 think I'm just going to accept been a loner and learn to love been on my own

 

[dave73]

Is there a nursing home near you. If so you could volunteer to befriend a resident as not all of the people in homes have families so usually end up with no visitors so would be glad to have a regular visitor. Have you checked your library for any local women’s groups you might like to join. If you don’t mind church a lot of churches have women only coffee mornings. I’m in much the same situation as yourself and these are things I might try to just get me out from my home and meet another adult for conversation

 

[marc16]

@dave73 I have enough old people on my street to chew my ear off honestly my street and next few streets on is all old people. Every chance they get they come at me chatting think iv mastered that one already

 

[imnotcrazy]

There could be some Facebook groups local to yourself that could help? There is one local to my area which helps ladies connect. It's a group for anyone feeling isolated, single mums, new to the area. People post asking if anyone is free for a coffee, walk, going to the pub etc. From what I've seen, it's helped a little of people xx

 

[cdphillips]

I am exactly the same, always had trouble talking to people and making friends, I have severe social anxiety so makes life difficult, I feel ur pain...just know ur not alone

 

[marc16]

@cdphillips thank you

 

[laiddownmylife]

I am also an introvert, I like my own company and need time to myself to recharge from what seems like an extremely busy and hectic lifestyle. However, I've discovered that time with other people (friends, esp. Women) is important too and that you have to invest in this to make it work. That means, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and to do more socialising than you feel you have the energy for at times.
Do you know what...other people don't necessarily feel that you are as awkward socially as you think you are. Just relax, be yourself and yes, make yourself tired once every fortnight by making time of an evening to spend with other people outside your household. It will pay off in the long term

 

[marc16]

@laiddownmylife I just don't seem to click with anybody. They either don't like me or we just don't click. I'm basically a charva but without the bad stuff. I like respect, manners, politeness etc
There's either the really girly type that I just don't click with I'm far from girly.
There's the posh snobs that stick there nose up at me and then there's the actual charvas who I probably would click with but don't like what there about.
But everyone sees me as the rough charva because of how I talk and how I am so nobody likes me. Think ill have to embrace been a loner suppose I can be myself then

 

[curiosity99]

Same!

 

[karogoyeng]

I live in my own bubble of my kids and partner and prefer it that way.
Social situations give me serious arse sweat I just don't do it.

 

[marc16]

@karogoyeng that's my life think I need to embrace it more.

 

[johnanon]

Join clubs

 

[marc16]

@johnanon if only it was that easy