TheaterFire

How many of you have little to no friends outside of your family?

Posted by Astro_Shogun@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 517 comments

I'm 25, not particularly outgoing and have basically no friends other than those I am related to and work with.

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517 Comments

Impossible-Ad9530@reddit

Zero friends, and it doesn’t bother me one bit. My work colleagues provide a decent social outlet for me and non work life involves parenting, running, gym and dog walking - all requiring zero input from friends. I love it.
View on Reddit #19965060

Historical_Owl_1635@reddit

> parenting This is probably a massive part of it not bothering you, chances are your kids will always be involved in your life in some capacity so you’ll never be in that situation you feel completely alone. I this is the reason a lot of people transition from “anti-kids for life” as teenagers to really wanting kids by their late 20s and early 30s. Life just gets boring way quicker than people expect.
View on Reddit #19971197

Marmosettale@reddit

i find alcohol to be a much more fun way to kill the long meaningless boredom than kids seem to be
View on Reddit #20261304

Impossible-Ad9530@reddit

Totally, hands up I’d rather go to a swing park with my daughter, grab some lunch and watch a daft animated movie of a Saturday than sit in a pub with a bunch of 40 yo guys reminiscing about the ‘good old days’. I had a huge network of people in my 20’s but was never anti-kids - I just felt that was what grown ups did lol. But I just don’t miss friends at all and don’t seek them out. I honestly feel I couldn’t fit them in with parenting, work and the things I want to do for myself.
View on Reddit #19972367

Nymthae@reddit

I guess the interesting transition for you is when your little girl is grown up and has flown the nest (or you know, becomes a teenager :D)
View on Reddit #20005985

Impossible-Ad9530@reddit

I have thought of that and I’ve got 22/24 years of work left, and at that point she’ll be in her mid 20’s so it won’t cause any issues. By the time she’s a teenager I’m pretty sure I’ll get into gardening or something to keep me occupied should the knees give way for the running
View on Reddit #20006144

lilbambam1@reddit

Exactly the same. In between work, being a parent and being partner, plus the odd wider family outing/meal it doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else. I do miss some of my friends from times before but honestly if they asked me to go out I’d probably just end up counting down the time until I could go home and just chill out. Think I’m just getting boring the older I get
View on Reddit #19988449

Competitive_Gap_9768@reddit

Who do you talk to when shit hits the fan?
View on Reddit #19966100

Impossible-Ad9530@reddit

My mum usually. Or my Mrs. The rest I find I can work out myself by going out for a long run on the trails. I’m an introvert at heart and my job means I have to be an artificial extrovert (sales) so I prize alone time as much as possible. I was a major party boy in my 20s so now it’s very different indeed. As I got older I found all the ‘friends’ I had were just drinking buddies and without drink, there really wasn’t much else there. I haven’t drank in a long while so life is very different now but better in every way.
View on Reddit #19968869

NextPass6207@reddit

Having a wife is a massive thing too though, I don't have that many friends but I value my relationship with my wife more than any of them and my family (admittedly no kids)
View on Reddit #19978568

No_Doughnut3257@reddit

r/AskUK
View on Reddit #19967854

Past-Educator-6561@reddit

You can't go wrong with a dog's optimism
View on Reddit #19966817

mistakenforzen@reddit

Similar here. I like a drink with the folks from work about once a month. There's a few dads in the neighborhood with kids the same age as mine whom I chew the fat with once in a while. I've got the missus, obviously, and her family are close knit and sociable people too. That's all more than enough for me. I don't have anyone I could call in a "need to bury a body" situation, but I'm not planning on that anytime soon.
View on Reddit #19975375

Fabulous-Relative333@reddit

Don't particularly have any in my family either.
View on Reddit #20083670

Bangkokbeats10@reddit

This is Reddit sir, non of us have friends and non of us have done a sex.
View on Reddit #19963717

Crafty_Ambassador443@reddit

Hi I did the sex, we produce a baby and now we have no friends. Hello Reddit!
View on Reddit #19967696

Davidsowoada@reddit

That is crazy bro
View on Reddit #20067976

bacon_cake@reddit

Opposite here lol. Did the sex and now loads of dad mates.
View on Reddit #20024736

Crafty_Ambassador443@reddit

How did you meet those?
View on Reddit #20026433

bacon_cake@reddit

Met all mine at NCT
View on Reddit #20026972

MinuteCupcake4758@reddit

I have a de sex, you wife, I like it very much.
View on Reddit #19986655

DarkusHydranoid@reddit

Sex? Is that a county?
View on Reddit #19965877

aje0200@reddit

Nossex
View on Reddit #19969577

AbbreviationsWise611@reddit

Nofuck
View on Reddit #19972147

Secrethat@reddit

Next to Sofucked
View on Reddit #20005840

AbbreviationsWise611@reddit

😂😂😂
View on Reddit #20059632

Shan-Chat@reddit

Sex is what posh people keep potatoes in.
View on Reddit #19968978

english_hillbilly@reddit

After 5, before 7.
View on Reddit #20008644

jaspersian@reddit

As a posh person, can confirm.
View on Reddit #19970574

MadeOfEurope@reddit

West or East?
View on Reddit #20001962

Tapsa39@reddit

It's how you say six in New Zealand.
View on Reddit #19972858

compiledbytes@reddit

Middlesex?
View on Reddit #19967065

GwdihwFach@reddit

Essex?
View on Reddit #19967537

OfficalSwanPrincess@reddit

Wessex?
View on Reddit #19969350

WiJaTu@reddit

Nosex 😔
View on Reddit #19969973

J8YDG9RTT8N2TG74YS7A@reddit

It's like Essex, but a bit more Sus.
View on Reddit #19967698

drosophillia@reddit

What is this "a sex" you speak of, I am intrigued...
View on Reddit #20021005

Forsaken-Language-26@reddit

No sex please, we’re British.
View on Reddit #19967167

Aggravating-Bar7030@reddit

Through a sheet with a hole cut in it?
View on Reddit #19979392

Vice932@reddit

Please! We’re more sophisticated than that. A pigs mouth is the gentlemen’s phalic glory of the day.
View on Reddit #20007066

RevolutionaryTale245@reddit

Glory hole was a British conception??
View on Reddit #19987893

ItemAdventurous9833@reddit

BRITISH POLITICIAN SEX
View on Reddit #19996959

Other-Swordfish9309@reddit

“Done a sex” 😆
View on Reddit #19988409

rainbowsickboy@reddit

done a sex i thought it was made a sex ???? confused
View on Reddit #19987397

Bangkokbeats10@reddit

We revised the code in Reddit commonly used vernacular section 4.2 as ‘made a sex’ sounded non consensual.
View on Reddit #19987697

Ill_Camp1028@reddit

I touched a women's breast once, it felt like a bag of sand.
View on Reddit #19981789

NERV-Miata@reddit

“done a sex” 😂
View on Reddit #19981699

brutussdad@reddit

I did once but it was noisy, smelly and quite unsettling🤔
View on Reddit #19980686

iwantwo@reddit

none\*
View on Reddit #19976470

Gilly5uit@reddit

🤣
View on Reddit #19972715

Bandigun@reddit

I use reddit to avoid friends and sex 👌
View on Reddit #19972598

Buuubaaa12@reddit

Sex is basically 6 based on 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
View on Reddit #19970141

IndelibleIguana@reddit

PERVERT!
View on Reddit #19968523

secret_ninja2@reddit

pretty sure they have Reddit in Alabama, they may not have friends but they do have family ....
View on Reddit #19967578

Mother_Ad7869@reddit

*the sex
View on Reddit #19967251

horseshoemagnet@reddit

lol
View on Reddit #19966069

stufferstu@reddit

In my experience, the older you get, the less real friends you have. I struggle with maintaining long term relationships, and it annoys me, sometimes to the point of depression and anxiety.
View on Reddit #19964014

Incubroz@reddit

This is generally true and it’s also harder to make new friends. School, college, Uni etc forces you together with a huge pool of people of a similar age to you so you’ll inevitably find some that you click with. When you’re in work you’ll generally spend a huge chunk of your waking life in the company of a broader age range of people but, most likely a much smaller number on a day to day basis so finding likeminded people is far less likely. I’m generalising massively, of course but I think if you drift away from those early friends completely then it’s difficult to create true friendships later on.
View on Reddit #19973057

Throwaway-me-@reddit

That's why it's important to have hobbies. It opens you up to people with similar interests to you.
View on Reddit #20052572

ras2703@reddit

I feel you man in a similar position. Want to get married and my partner has loads of friends she could ask to be bridesmaid and I’d be lucky to scrape two together id actually want there. It’s embarassing, apart from the societal aspects like that I’ve learned to live with it and it doesn’t bother me too much but yeah it’s not nice.
View on Reddit #19976196

Incubroz@reddit

I get this as well. Without trying to sound morbid, my dad passed away a couple of years ago and the turnout at his funeral and wake was amazing, not just from a family perspective but a load of friends, many of them almost lifelong friends that he’d known from playing in Sunday league football teams or simply growing up together on the same estate and becoming friends as kids. On top of the emotional lows of losing my dad, there was definitely an underlying feeling of, “Who the hell would turn up to mine?” Sadly, I think the answer would be largely family and, maybe a few work colleagues.
View on Reddit #20003381

Mrsnutkin@reddit

I feel this.
View on Reddit #19981387

JustGhostin@reddit

Talk to your friends then?
View on Reddit #19967650

seriousrikk@reddit

Sometimes the simple solution just doesn’t work. Brain doesn’t give you the signals you need to maintain co tact with friends. Person forgets to stay in touch. Person realises but feels bad about how long it’s been. Person feeling bad knows they are poor company so puts off talking tho their friends when they feel like this, so waits. Repeat cycle.
View on Reddit #19968006

Historical_Owl_1635@reddit

All of those reasons you gave are still solved by the simple solution of talking to your friends.
View on Reddit #19969082

Gort_Barada@reddit

A wise guy, eh? Besides, this isn't a one-way street. Someone could argue that it's possible to stay in touch as friends. Depression is a serious problem for many people. Often, those affected understand what they need to do, but it's incredibly difficult or feels impossible to make changes. It can be even more demoralizing when someone on the internet offers patronizing advice instead of support.
View on Reddit #20001429

theotherquantumjim@reddit

Quick everyone this guy just solved depression
View on Reddit #19970024

Historical_Owl_1635@reddit

Someone feeling bad for not talking to their friend so avoiding it completely == depression? Sounds to me like you’re just trivialising mental illness to try and score points.
View on Reddit #19970206

theotherquantumjim@reddit

Are you new here?
View on Reddit #19975078

seriousrikk@reddit

As a bonus he also cured adhd. Fucking genius among us.
View on Reddit #19974434

seriousrikk@reddit

First line of my explanation. Brain doesn’t give you the signals to actually do that. What simple solution do you have for that one?
View on Reddit #19974398

Doogleyboogley@reddit

Yh exactly. have they thought about- just not being depressed?
View on Reddit #19970924

tomahawk66mtb@reddit

I've found the complete opposite to be true for me. I've moved around internationally and I have friends around the world. Really close friends, like the sort of friends I could turn up unannounced and ask them to put me up without any question: 16 of them in total. They live across 4 different continents and I speak to some of them almost daily and others weekly or monthly. Whenever we are travelling we try to arrange it where we fly through each other's cities so we can catch up, even if it's just at the airport. These friends are from different times and stages in my life, but they are the ones that I clicked with and stuck by me. Most of them have never met each other. I have a milestone birthday coming up and I'm inviting them all and their families to come out for a holiday and a party. It's true, I spend a huge amount of time and effort on these relationships. But I'm from a very small family so these people are the family I chose. As we are moving to a new country this year I've no doubt this number will grow, I'm excited to meet new people ! I'm also excited as our new country is a holiday destination and we are building a house big enough for lots of guests to come visit!
View on Reddit #19990494

Perfect_Confection25@reddit

I'm probably have more contact with close friends in my 50s than I did in my late 20s.  I had friends at school. Went to uni made some friends there. Started work made a few friends there, but probably still saw my uni friends the most at that stage. Settled down, got back in infrequent but regular contact with some school friends who were also settling down with mortgages and kids. Kids now gone and I'm on my own. My bestest friends are a couple of guys I went to primary school with and their partners and a group of guys I met through a classmate at uni.  Still in regular contact with some later work colleagues who also became good friends.  I would, a couple of times a year, see  other groups who I went to secondary school or uni with, after having practically no contact for a couple of decades.  Things change as you go through different phases of life. 
View on Reddit #19979432

Brainfreezdnb@reddit

its because you live in big city. the smaller the community the easier it is. cities are not made for friends. they offer everything because you give it all you have, your life basically
View on Reddit #19977735

Broccoli--Enthusiast@reddit

i went out with some mates for the first time in like 6 months on Thursday and now im just depressed that its not a thing. im not even 30 yet. they just all have familys and stuff now and i dont. dont even get work friends, im the only member of my department for 300 miles. meeting new people and trying to build a life is bloody hard on your own, i do stuff on my own but you can really insert yourself into existing groups etc. im really just bored.
View on Reddit #19974762

HowardHenryHolmes@reddit

I have a some great long term friends but we're all scattered across the planet so rarely see each other. Where I live now not so much, I have some friends sure but no one I'd consider anywhere near a close friend. Honestly doesn't bother me often, but the fact I've no close friends here becomes more potent when my wife is away or doing something on a Friday/Saturday night for example. When she's absent I don't really have anyone to meet for a couple pints, so I just stay in. Sometimes it can throw me into pretty negative thought patterns a day or two as I feel almost locked in.
View on Reddit #19973861

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Probably 4 actual friends. All of which are super busy and aren't chatty inbetween seeing them 2-3 times a year. I'm often really bored and if I'm honest I'm really lonely, I don't want to be a sad lone wolf I want to be seen and heard but life doesn't work like that.
View on Reddit #19964723

boomanu@reddit

Have you tried joining a DND group in your local area? If you want to meet people it's a great hobby, forces you into social situations and leaving your house, and you can make new friends.
View on Reddit #19969467

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Yeah I've played a few times now, I loved painting the minis the most. I'm not into the roleplay element and bunches of new people make me feel so nervous even without the potential of being locked in to a campaign with them. Plus now I'm not young you get that creepy older guy vibe even without meaning to.
View on Reddit #19969893

do_u_even_gif_bro@reddit

One of my very favorite people and best friends is a retiree that I met playing d&d with him at a store. I’m 38. We now hang out every week. D&d isn’t just for kids, it spans all ages, and you shouldn’t feel weird doing something you enjoy and can make those human connects through.
View on Reddit #19996222

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

There's only a handful of older people at the board game cafe near my house, usually everyone is super quiet and nobody knows each other. We played a one shot for nearly 5 hours and I didn't get into combat once, found it too hard/weird to speak up and the DM rarely included us all in things. There's one or two other groups nearby that I may continue trying to turn up to, I like the game and love painting but I don't think it's the answer.
View on Reddit #20039166

do_u_even_gif_bro@reddit

I get that. No d&d is better than bad d&d.
View on Reddit #20040647

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Same as anything else.. sex, money, power, a small number of people have most of the fun, the rest of us get the crumbs.
View on Reddit #20040777

boomanu@reddit

I met all my DND mates online and we are all in our 30s. DND doesn't really have the creepy older guy thing anymore, people accept people of all ages now If the RP isn't for you and you like painting minis, have a go at Warhammer. There's so many people who like that
View on Reddit #19971108

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Way ahead of you my man, I just don't meet any new people that way. The local warhammer stores have children in there, so I went to a few gaming groups. Met one or two people that way actually but it isn't ths answer.
View on Reddit #19971402

BlindMice5@reddit

Perhaps you should try practicing social interaction? Social skills are skills and so need practice. I know what u mean about pretty privilege and ppl jus straight up not liking unattractive ppl tho. My advice on that front would be to join a gym and either gain muscle or lose weight. Maybe try getting a skin routine so on so forth. I don’t know you so I’m not assuming anything abt you I’m just saying the typical things to become more attractive
View on Reddit #19986709

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Appreciate the detailed comment but yes I've tried all the cliche things people suggest. Most have some merit but I haven't found people yet.
View on Reddit #19986841

Awordofinterest@reddit

Nah the key is, when you do find people you actually like and get along with, is to be self destructive and ruin everything you have built up for the last few months/years. Sometimes it's easier to put a "professional" head on. Block everyone and everything out and then wonder why you have no friends. Wait what.
View on Reddit #19993385

supersy@reddit

DND ain't my thing but what worked for me was Parkrun (and Strava). It's helped me keep in touch with old colleagues who run Parkrun through Strava but also gives us an oppurtunity to visit each other's local Parkrun every now and again. I've also made some new friends who I met through my local Parkrun, which usually ends up turning into Sunday long runs and brunch/coffee.
View on Reddit #20005884

Dazzling_Variety_883@reddit

Whats a DND group?
View on Reddit #19974093

TiredMisanthrope@reddit

Dungeons and dragons.
View on Reddit #19988088

Broccoli--Enthusiast@reddit

i tried that, and bailed, the group i found were stereotypical as fuck, the literal unwashed masses. i wish i could find a good group by id imagine most of those are existing friend groups
View on Reddit #19974985

boomanu@reddit

I've found 3 groups online. One was like that. The other two weren't. That's not the likely groups anymore. You can get unlucky, but you always can meeting random people online
View on Reddit #19975059

Broccoli--Enthusiast@reddit

how do you even meet them online? i dont even know how that would come about these days lol
View on Reddit #19975208

boomanu@reddit

r/lfg. I also always make sure to have a call with them before hand Lastly, just go to a local gaming store. The will have drop in dnd sessions
View on Reddit #19975264

Broccoli--Enthusiast@reddit

thats a neat sub also the local gaming store was where i found the utter monsters lol, honestly i never felt like a more well adjusted and employed individual than that night.
View on Reddit #19975537

boomanu@reddit

Yeah avoid that store then lol
View on Reddit #19976394

NopeNopeNope2001@reddit

Haha
View on Reddit #19971363

boomanu@reddit

? It sounds joke but DND is a social activity that forces you to interact, make friends in a group setting, takes up multiple hours a session so you are properly social, and DND people are generally some of the most outgoing people I know
View on Reddit #19971484

Wishmaster891@reddit

Have sex with your wife
View on Reddit #19966734

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

I will, thank you.
View on Reddit #19966772

Wishmaster891@reddit

Ye can’t be that unattractive if your married
View on Reddit #19967401

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Yes you can 🤣
View on Reddit #19967470

Wishmaster891@reddit

Oh
View on Reddit #19967636

gary_the_merciless@reddit

Personality is a big part of it, as is compatibility. Try to be the kind of person you'd like to be and know. Talk about what interests and amuses you. Share what you love, be nice to people. I'll stop there before I become anymore cliche.
View on Reddit #19992127

BananaBread856@reddit

Maybe his wife is blind?
View on Reddit #19979394

Wishmaster891@reddit

Fascinating
View on Reddit #19979926

Meshd@reddit

Remember to do the washing up when you're finished,and put it back where you found it.
View on Reddit #19971221

gary_the_merciless@reddit

In the sink? Nice.
View on Reddit #19991952

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Another good one, I will and thank you.
View on Reddit #19971304

Ukteaboy@reddit

So will I.Can you msg when you're done please?
View on Reddit #19979958

TiredMisanthrope@reddit

I hear ya, when I get like that I usually just find a new show to watch or rewatch and talk about it on Reddit. That or music/movies/books/sports and very rarely games these days. It’s a funny little cycle but I guess we get used to it.
View on Reddit #19988010

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

Yeah same, I game and read and Reddit is cool for some focused discussions. Sometimes I'm cool with it, sometimes it bums me out a bit but life is good otherwise and I'm relatively healthy so should be grateful if anything.
View on Reddit #19988201

TiredMisanthrope@reddit

Yeah I know what you mean. I met a couple people I chat with generally daily through Reddit, even just sharing songs or shows, books etc or what we are doing throughout the day.
View on Reddit #19988365

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

I have done the same :) especially for niche games or specific book series, you wana find others with in depth viewpoints.
View on Reddit #19988491

TiredMisanthrope@reddit

Haha, honestly for years I would be very stop starty with books, but I got audible and I started listening to the Eragon book and I’m loving it, I suppose probably not very niche but yeah. Hopefully get in to more and more of them. I find discord useful for finding discussions for niche games. I got in to some idle style games that are low effort. I got a dart board too, there are apps on your phone you can play random online games against other people or bots, I found those quite fun and it gets you up on your feet and doing something slightly physical. Maybe you can chuck me some book series recommendations if you fancy it.
View on Reddit #19988776

Intelligent_Walk3856@reddit

I feel very similar, but also add that even people that may want to be friends, I just don't really reach out to them... weird and stupid I know.  But going to events etc. gives me mad anxiety 
View on Reddit #19985238

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

I feel that as well. Wish there was an answer!
View on Reddit #19985655

Sibs_@reddit

Sounds familar. My circle of friends has dwindled every year since I turned 25. The few that are left I know are rock solid but they're all settled down and/or live miles away. It's harder each year to find the time for each other. I don't need a huge circle of people, i've always been quality over quantity. Feel i'm just missing a partner and one friend who lives locally.
View on Reddit #19974393

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

I'm the same, 4-5 friends is enough I just wish they prioritized social times more. And one or two people I met at work turned out to be decent, I think its good to keep making effort there.
View on Reddit #19978580

cl0udzero@reddit

Basically in the same predicament. I have a handful of friends that I see rarely because they have their own lives. It never used to be like this so I always blame myself for things going distant. I miss them but I know things can’t ever be the same
View on Reddit #19970383

ArstotzkaHero@reddit

I felt like that as well man, big relate. But if they're out working good jobs or raising children then I'm happy for them. I moved out of the centre of the city, we mutually outgrew some shared activities and differing life experiences have made our opinions clash more and more as time has gone on. The truth is that I have definitely dropped people out of my life if I didn't like them, and I bet people do the same thing to me. But every man I know has drastically dwindled down their social circle in terms of numbers and frequency of visits, in their 30s.
View on Reddit #19971270

Utterbollocksmate@reddit

I kinda ditched all my mates over the years. I cant be arsed with most people these days. I still chat to some people online from various games over the years. I like the online friends because i can just turn them off and go do something else if i want. People comming around to the house is not ideal, its better when they live 1000s of miles away.
View on Reddit #20005003

bowak@reddit

That's a depressing read. I'm sure it can be easier to just turn contacts off but it's an unhealthy way to relate to people 
View on Reddit #20038973

itsa_m@reddit

I'm old now but in my youth I had lots of friends. Nowadays I'm happy with none.
View on Reddit #19963646

Ornery_Opening3721@reddit

Friends are overrated.
View on Reddit #19972427

bowak@reddit

Good ones aren't.
View on Reddit #19981309

Gort_Barada@reddit

Good ones are rare.
View on Reddit #20001701

bowak@reddit

That depends - though sadly it can fully depend purely on bad luck for some people.
View on Reddit #20038129

Ornery_Opening3721@reddit

Congratulations on your good friends.
View on Reddit #19986310

ItemAdventurous9833@reddit

As humans we are hyper social 
View on Reddit #19996994

berserk_kipper@reddit

Christ, this is bleak.
View on Reddit #19968066

redditmodequalsnonce@reddit

It's the reality of most men in the uk as they get older.
View on Reddit #19969890

Rixalong@reddit

Absolute utter bollocks mate. 
View on Reddit #19971797

redditmodequalsnonce@reddit

It really isn't. There's a reason suicide is the biggest killer of men in this country.
View on Reddit #19974111

Rixalong@reddit

Most men don't commit suicide at all. Most never think about it. 
View on Reddit #20002604

redditmodequalsnonce@reddit

That's not what I said
View on Reddit #20002697

Rixalong@reddit

Most men don't have friends I said utter bollocks You started chatting shite about suicide.  That implies you're talking about most men. 
View on Reddit #20002726

bigjoeandphantom3O9@reddit

And most men don’t kill themselves. It isn’t a ‘reality’ we have to face.
View on Reddit #19997420

starsandbribes@reddit

Because men in the UK are more concerned with masculinity and think planning fun things is gay and/or girly.
View on Reddit #19974488

lewisw1992@reddit

Don't you mean "society tells men to be masculine, and those that can't get depressed". Phrases like "man up" need to get thrown in the bin ASAP.
View on Reddit #19987743

starsandbribes@reddit

Regardless of whos telling who, a lot of men relish in the opportunity of it.
View on Reddit #19987991

upanddowndays@reddit

Am a man in the UK, am girl and wear nail polish, a stereotypically girly thing. Suicidal ideation is on my medical record. So think again.
View on Reddit #19986250

starsandbribes@reddit

This just proves the point. Suicide in gay youth is very high because of masculinity and homophobic language, which go hand in hand. Men have a hatred/look down on women and gay men that causes an issue for everyone involved.
View on Reddit #19986466

Lockstop087@reddit

Utter bollocks
View on Reddit #19983094

ItemAdventurous9833@reddit

That is a shame 
View on Reddit #19996979

itsa_m@reddit

Being happy and content?
View on Reddit #19985246

Gort_Barada@reddit

>Christ, this is bleak. A real friend is a precious thing. There are different levels of friendship: people you know from work, those you connect with over shared interests, people you've known your whole life, and so on. As life goes on, you realize that friendship isn't about the quantity you see on social media. It's about the select few you can trust with your life. That's what makes all the difference.
View on Reddit #20001672

PuzzleheadedElk2039@reddit

Even more bleak when you realise when people say they're old on Reddit they mean they're 31
View on Reddit #19995519

boomanu@reddit

Except they've explicitly stated their happy. Be happy with whatever you have. If your not change it. Nothing bleak about just being happy with your family
View on Reddit #19969354

SeeYa-IntMornin-Pal@reddit

Their happy what
View on Reddit #19991265

Awordofinterest@reddit

That's it. Ignore the message, and pinpoint the small mistake. That'll show 'em. Anyway, I'm heading t'market d'ya need anything duck?
View on Reddit #19993059

SeeYa-IntMornin-Pal@reddit

Nowt tar pal. But get yasen somefin reet nice like mucker.
View on Reddit #19993566

Awordofinterest@reddit

Ay! Be'ave you'self. Course i'm gonna grab me some scran, If you's is lucky I might bring back some sweeties for the family and the bairn.
View on Reddit #19993909

SeeYa-IntMornin-Pal@reddit

If ye dint get me sum breadcakes thal be murder i tell thee!
View on Reddit #19994019

itsa_m@reddit

I am happy and content. If one lives correctly wisdom comes with age.
View on Reddit #19985184

php64@reddit

Me too
View on Reddit #19967085

Glozboy@reddit

I'm 38 and have no friends of my own. My wife and I have couples we see, but she has her own friends who she goes out with. I know that's not healthy but I struggle to find friends of my own (I had some from uni but they moved to other countries so we lost contact). I've made it my aim for 2024 to join some groups.
View on Reddit #20029855

browniebearbear@reddit

I had a strong network of good friends in my home country but since I’ve moved to the uk I literally only have my partner in my life and one real friend.
View on Reddit #20029657

Chewychews420@reddit

Yeah I don’t really have any, I prefer it though, less chance of drama.
View on Reddit #20024425

airplane_flap@reddit

I don't even have a family
View on Reddit #20017533

Astro_Shogun@reddit (OP)

:( I'll be your family
View on Reddit #20018413

doge_suchwow@reddit

Do you want reassurance or truth? I have lots of friends and so do all my work colleagues….
View on Reddit #20016259

DewyDandelion@reddit

me, when i was on teenage i do really have alot of friends we go out and party, we go to alot of places, but after years goes by, the older i get i lesser friends stay specially I can remember when I was totally down and none of them even asked if im okay after that I just choose to live alone or get used of being alone. Im tired of pleasing people.
View on Reddit #20015798

Tobemenwithven@reddit

This is a deeply distubring thread. Not having friends is absolutely abnormal and my heart goes out to you. I recently moved cities and by joining a rugby team made 50 mates almost over night. I also play Dnd now with people, boom new friends. I still am in contact with all my school friends, uni friends, friend I made living in Bristol, London and then dozens travelling who I catch up with every now and then. My stag is coming up and I have honestly 50-70 men I would happily invite from all the rugby teams, uni, work, school etc. Its a matter of limiting the numbers. 4 different blokes want to be bestman and I have had to give it to my brother to avoid the headache. This is not an accident though. I fucking work at it. Calls, messages, smiles, asking people how they are and making sure I have time for everyone. Life is so joyful when shared. It really is about making an effort though. Friendship is reciprocal you get out what you put in and it has to go both ways. Even if youre not outgoing, surely there is SOMETHING you enjoy and could go to a club for?
View on Reddit #19968259

ROLL_AND_EGG@reddit

Cringe.
View on Reddit #20015591

Own-Initiative-179@reddit

Your comment is deeply concerning. it is not ”abnormal” to not have friends. there is no way you can have 70 friends, at best most will be acquaintances. and its bizarre how you assume people don’t have friends because they don’t put themselves out there. You know nothing about peoples individual situation.
View on Reddit #19984318

bigjoeandphantom3O9@reddit

> it is not ”abnormal” to not have friends. Of course it is, friendship is a basic human need.
View on Reddit #19999064

Own-Initiative-179@reddit

Your missing the point. yes friendship is a basic need but many people put themselves out there but don’t make friends because other people are flaky, don’t initiate or don’t want to socialise. its not that these people putting themselves out there don’t want friends. It’s that they have tried and have not seen their efforts receiporated And so they stop trying
View on Reddit #20009944

bigjoeandphantom3O9@reddit

I’m not missing the point. Not having friends is abnormal, even if a lack of them doesn’t make you yourself abnormal. People in this thread are saying it is normal, and they are wrong. It isn’t common or healthy. I also think it’s generally wrong to put the onus on other people.
View on Reddit #20011270

Own-Initiative-179@reddit

So you think a person who has made active efforts to make friends but just hasn’t clicked with anyone strong enough to be friends is abnormal. you seriously lack empathy.
View on Reddit #20011560

bigjoeandphantom3O9@reddit

No, I think it is abnormal to have no friends. I specifically went out of my way to say I don’t think that makes them abnormal. You seriously lack reading comprehension. I also don’t think you know what empathy means, I can think something is abnormal while being able to understand and sympathise with that predicament.
View on Reddit #20013582

Tobemenwithven@reddit

I consider them friends. I would have a solo pub session with each and everyone of them. Frankly, if you go to the standard of "who would be at my funeral" it could be hundreds. I love socialising, I love people. And yes it is abnormal to have NO friends. Humans are social thats a huge issue.
View on Reddit #19985475

Own-Initiative-179@reddit

If your standard for classing someone as a friend is would you go to the pub to them then you have a super low standard and I’m not surprised you class 70 people as “friends”. True friendships take years to cultivate. and no it’s not abnormal to have no friends, some people put themselves out there and find others are either flaky, don’t initiate or dont want to socialise.
View on Reddit #19986664

Mrsnutkin@reddit

Honestly, I’m glad you have so many friends but as for “deeply disturbing,” whilst I hear your concerns… we can’t all be popular. I get that friends take work but for whatever reason some of us just can’t do that. Various reasons. I wish I had friends. I know they take work but despite that it’s not happened (yet.) Some empathy from you wouldn’t go amiss.
View on Reddit #19980303

bigjoeandphantom3O9@reddit

You don’t have to be popular, it’s that people in this thread are suggesting it is normal and standard to have no friends as an adult. I have empathy, it’s genuinely sad.
View on Reddit #19998898

Mrsnutkin@reddit

It’s not normal and yes, it is sad.
View on Reddit #20009535

Tobemenwithven@reddit

Empathy is there. But if the problem exists surely a solution is the focus. Just saying thats the way it is wont make it better.
View on Reddit #19983388

Mrsnutkin@reddit

That’s true.
View on Reddit #19984450

numatik01@reddit

Alcohol brings people together in the U.K. as alcoholism is pretty much a religion. If you don’t drink you’re seen as abnormal. The more you drink, the more friends you’ll accumulate. It’s really sad the way British society has created this necessity. If you’re going on a stag night then you probably love a drink hence the reason why you have plenty of friends to go on the stag night with.
View on Reddit #19982080

Tobemenwithven@reddit

I guess but I have like 5 muslim friends who dont drink and I maintain great times with them. We go for coffee, ice cream, we went as a group to Alton towers a few years back.
View on Reddit #19983344

numatik01@reddit

You’re lucky. Myself and wife were literally ditched by our circle of friends because we don’t drink enough. They all have serious drink problems and one of the group is very ill as he has lost so much weight. He’s almost alcoholic
View on Reddit #19983457

Tobemenwithven@reddit

Sorry to hear that. But my point respectfully stands. Surely you and your wife could go to non-alcohol functions (as I have done) to make friends based on shared interests? Just saying fuck it, alcohol means no friends for me, is defeatist.
View on Reddit #19983637

numatik01@reddit

Yes I agree and I’ve recently registered on the meet up app and there seems to be seem good meet ups on there that I can get involved in.
View on Reddit #19983685

Hot-Fun-1566@reddit

I couldn’t cope with that many people. A couple of friends only is fine if you’re an introvert.
View on Reddit #19973036

BobbyDazzzla@reddit

I honestly can't imagine anything worse than rugby mates. Drinking tequila out of each others cocks? No thanks. 
View on Reddit #19971397

Virtual-nomad327@reddit

Similar to my answer, putting yourself out there and being the reason for people to meet up is a big part of it, I also formed a DND group.
View on Reddit #19969325

No_Doughnut3257@reddit

Uff I’m glad I didn’t get caught up in all this
View on Reddit #19968374

NorthernSoul1977@reddit

Most of my friends are drinking buddies. Beyond family i don't think I've anyone that I could rely on to, say, put me up if the wife kicked me out. Or help me move house. I'm quite a social guy as well, and don't have any problems getting on with people. I think the fact that my social life is largely boozy is probably the issue.
View on Reddit #20011628

trouser_mouse@reddit

If everyone picked someone else in this thread there might be less lonely people. I'm here if anyone wants!
View on Reddit #20011516

StumpyHobbit@reddit

Only people I talk to are either at work or behind a till at the supermarket.
View on Reddit #20011405

CatsCoffeeCurls@reddit

I wouldn't even say I'm friends with the people I work with. It's just the cats for me. Life is better that way.
View on Reddit #19967532

trouser_mouse@reddit

Exactly, cat life all the way!
View on Reddit #20011401

notmeagainagain@reddit

Those at work aren't your friends. Never confuse that smile in the morning for anything other than "I see you". You or they leave, they might as well not have existed. You or their job? Enjoy your new bed under the bus!
View on Reddit #19975423

MapForward6096@reddit

Sorry to hear that you have shit workmates but I still regularly see friends that I met at the job that I left two years ago, and many of my friends are dating or married to people they met at work
View on Reddit #20010584

notmeagainagain@reddit

Appreciate that, totally understandable that my experience is limited to my industry (contract developers are nasty people sometimes)
View on Reddit #20010971

Johns252@reddit

I don't even have friends within my family 😂
View on Reddit #20010674

Outrageous_Zombie945@reddit

No partner, approximately 1 friend, and about 3 family members who have active roles in my life...2 of those are my children! On the upside I like myself and enjoy my own company and my kids are awesome so we have loads of fun seeing the world!
View on Reddit #20010634

Big-Deer1899@reddit

I don't have any family but a couple of friends. Does that count?
View on Reddit #20010559

CobaltCascade@reddit

Me!! thats why i am here.
View on Reddit #20009002

Louy40@reddit

Just go down the local Pub and actually be social, they may not be your friends but at least you’ll have people to have a conversation with
View on Reddit #20008595

tempgirll@reddit

I’m 21, I haven’t had friends since a small group of girls in secondary school, and I wasn’t even particularly close with them.
View on Reddit #20008107

Shibari_Fractals@reddit

I’m 36 and after my Mum dies I’ll be fully alone. I can’t wait.
View on Reddit #20007683

GiordySays@reddit

I have probably 4/5 friends outside of family. Personally it’s better to keep your circle small. A lot of people are fake and time wasters. I’m 26 btw
View on Reddit #20007613

Vice932@reddit

Yep. And that’s fine with me I’ve accepted it. It’s the reality of life for a lot of people that doesn’t get talked about
View on Reddit #20007153

Rob_it_is@reddit

This is a systemic issue. Between our never-stop working culture, who we reside with or the way our neighbourhoods are not communities, our dependence on cars (i.e. geographical isolation), not to mention how we're driven to waste what little time we have remaining with distractions, making friends is no longer an opportunistic process. It shouldn't be this way, but most of us live in environments where we must actively seek friendships. This isn't easy. However, I believe nothing builds connections like being part of a team or collective effort. Get creative and join a collaborative cause. I recently joined a sports team; it works.
View on Reddit #20006794

LucyJFer@reddit

As an imigrant in this coutry I was fine being on my own most of times - I hate crowds anyway. On my street lives an elderly couple, I think they're in their late 60's. Grandad - let's call him Roger - is an ex army tank driver. So small talk at first, I've found out he plays snooker. I've never tried it in my life so I said that maybe he can teach me. Didn't expect him to actually take me to the club and play and explain this to me. In return I'm playing chess with him (whisky included) and I've showed him Warhammer figures that now he wants to paint lol. I think it's always worth trying to get to know other people at least a bit - you'll never know who might end up being your new friend.
View on Reddit #19969399

Nymthae@reddit

That's super nice!
View on Reddit #20006081

RevolutionaryTale245@reddit

Wow
View on Reddit #19988306

Artistic-Airline-449@reddit

This. My partner is my best friend and is enough for us at the minute but I worry we will be lonely if something happens to one of us. We are engaged but I really don't want to get married as I realise I will have nobody to invite. I had real friends at uni with great connections but then we all scattered and I haven't made any friends since. I get on with people at work but they are colleagues not friends and if I left I doubt I would see anybody from work again. After my fiancé my dog is my best friend and brings me the most joy
View on Reddit #20005280

cari-strat@reddit

In my early 50s, female. Lots of casual acquaintances that I'd stop and pass a few minutes with in the street, and a couple of childhood friends that I stay in social media contact with but who are now scattered far and wide so I very rarely see them. In terms of actual physical friends who I see regularly, go for coffee with etc - one. Bonded on the school run as we both have SEN kids and have stayed friends for about six years now. Also have a great neighbour next door who I consider a good friend, but we don't go places together often, it's more a natter over the hedge. I'm not that much of one for socialising to be honest.
View on Reddit #20005168

NoDisk9657@reddit

One at most, we occasionally hang out and she’s also my coworker.
View on Reddit #20005041

Wellidrivea190e@reddit

I’m 37, married with a ten month old daughter. I have one friend.
View on Reddit #20004590

Linnaeus1753@reddit

I haven't got friends INSIDE the family. I have not done a sex either.
View on Reddit #20004310

_Omegaperfecta_@reddit

All my "friends" are my partners friends. I have none of my own, but that doesn't bother me in the slightest. I prefer solitude.
View on Reddit #20003990

lifetypo10@reddit

I feel like I'm the outlier here but I have a really big group of friends, it's not by accident. I'm single and realised a long time ago that if I don't make any effort, no one else is going to make the effort for me. I don't have a default human at home who's just there so I feel like I've always needed to keep myself busy with multiple friends and lots of plans. I've lost and gained friends in my time but I really value the friends I have, I only keep fantastic people in my life and I really think these are it.
View on Reddit #19974228

Loubear1987@reddit

I feel like a lot of people on this thread should take in your comments.
View on Reddit #20003870

killavyosa@reddit

i have no friends in real life. i have a few close online friends that ive known for years 💌
View on Reddit #20003803

Own-Initiative-179@reddit

I have no friends and no partner so double whammy for me. over the years I have tried a lot to put myself out there but found people were flaky or didn’t initiate so now I don’t bother it makes me sad but what can I do
View on Reddit #19984521

ahgasexarmy@reddit

That’s exactly how I am. People are flaky and alot of them are two faced so it’s hard to trust people. I feel you
View on Reddit #20002946

horseshoemagnet@reddit

In my 20s I had about 20 , up until mid thirties it dwindled to 3 and now in my late thirties 0. Once ppl start marrying and having kids out goes friendship.
View on Reddit #19966188

Competitive_Gap_9768@reddit

Disagree. It’s easy to maintain or make friends once married and have kids. Just have to put yourself out there and get in the right situations.
View on Reddit #19966235

Rixalong@reddit

It requires work from friends too. I'm perfectly happy to go around and see a mate with his kid, too many men will only see a mate if they're without a kid
View on Reddit #19971922

Competitive_Gap_9768@reddit

Pretty normal to want to go to the pub to let off steam without your kid.
View on Reddit #19972689

Rixalong@reddit

Sure, but not always possible. I notice that women often will go round their friend's houses even when they have a kid but not so much the other way around for men who mostly go out to meet up 
View on Reddit #20002686

bosso_biz@reddit

I’ve had a very similar experience. In my mid 30s I still have like 3 friends left, but it’s difficult - they’re married, with kids and work a lot.
View on Reddit #19971805

Optimal_Material4462@reddit

Don't need friends, I have enough contact with people at work, and my hobbies are all individual participation. People suck.
View on Reddit #20000719

Sanninsasuke@reddit

This is me Not a single friend If you're from London and want a friend Hello see you in the messages
View on Reddit #19999408

GurtysFarm@reddit

I’m 22 and I definitely relate
View on Reddit #19998760

saltandvin3gar@reddit

I was abused as a child so I cut my family off as an adult. I outgrew my friends as my childhood led me to make friends with the wrong crowd when I was younger and as they grew up, everybody either became addicted to meth, went to jail or died. Apart from my husband, I have no one. I would very much like some new friends but I am at an age where they won't come easily. There is not much I can do, and I have learned to live with that. It's not my fault it ended up like this. It'll happen one day but until then, I have accepted my situation and I am okay with it.
View on Reddit #19998126

CliffyGiro@reddit

I have three close mates, one I’ve been friends with for about twenty-five years and the other two for about fifteen years. They are what I would call my core group of friends. I’ve got one additional best mate that I’ve only known a few years but we’re close because we’re essentially bonded through shared trauma. I have another couple of friends/acquaintances from work that I’ll go watch a film or that with but wouldn’t go on holiday with. Beyond that I get on really well with my current and former team at work and go to all their nights out.
View on Reddit #19963471

mata_dan@reddit

> but wouldn’t go on holiday with. This has always been how I think about everyone xD
View on Reddit #19997952

Astro_Shogun@reddit (OP)

Sounds like a great social circle, hopefully I'll have something like that by the time I'm your age.
View on Reddit #19963574

CliffyGiro@reddit

Aye, sorry kind of over explained my circumstances. What I was getting at is, mates will come and go and making close friends isn’t out of the question as an adult.
View on Reddit #19963685

benswami@reddit

No family or friends, here.
View on Reddit #19997917

Traditional-Corgi-89@reddit

Unfortunately as you get older, people are more closed off and they are really only focused on themselves and what they have going on in their lives, so makes it a lot harder
View on Reddit #19997538

Classy-Catastrophe@reddit

I have no friends and I don't care. I have a boyfriend and I have parrots. I used to have friends but people are dissapointing and I'm too old for that shit. Introvert life forever.
View on Reddit #19996838

panicattheoilrig@reddit

The only people I talk to IRL apart from my mum are my housemates, and that’s only if I bump into them in the kitchen. I’m on twitter and talk to people on there occasionally, and I’m in a couple of discord servers for uni that I have ‘friends’ in - I’ve never met most of them.
View on Reddit #19995987

Tall_Magician735@reddit

Mid forties and I only really have one friend outside of my family. I'm honestly fine with it, I'm not particularly social, I don't want a big group of friends.
View on Reddit #19995057

NewPower_Soul@reddit

No friends, no family. Last night out was works Xmas do. In 2019. 😭
View on Reddit #19993280

TheLordLongshaft@reddit

I have friends I just don't see them or talk to them ever 😅
View on Reddit #19993260

Shitsoup7@reddit

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧 Done all the marriage stuff , bringing up three step children and my daughter . No payments from the dad . I paid for my step daughters . Yet am still paying for a son who I get on with now . It was a wrong move . That law ruined my marriage .
View on Reddit #19992973

Immediate_Wolf3802@reddit

My only friend is Mark E Smith who talks to me everyday...I find friendship causes pain
View on Reddit #19992591

fluffstuff86@reddit

me! I have two friends one my long term best male mate and a more recent (only a few yrs) female friend
View on Reddit #19992581

tecolotl_otl@reddit

friends are for children. adults have jobs. yeah it sucks but its impossible to hold down both.
View on Reddit #19991484

TheSexyGrape@reddit

You guys have a family?
View on Reddit #19991049

InstructionLess583@reddit

Me. And very little family to boot.
View on Reddit #19990702

NotBaldwin@reddit

I'm 32. I feel I'm lucky in that I've got probably around 20 friends who I would consider genuine and dear friends. I've known the majority of them longer than 10 years, many of them I went to primary or secondary school with, and we all happen to have stayed in touch while we've grown up. The others I met at university, and similarly, we've stayed in touch. We've mostly all done reasonably well for ourselves - none of us are rich or even beyond basic lower-middle class wealth, but most of us have houses and solid jobs. Those who have partners - I would also view their partners as important to me as they are. We all seem to have made mostly good choices in life. I've been told by some people how unusual this is. My wife made a work friend who joined our circles a few years ago, and her husband (who's also now a very good friend) keeps bringing up how lucky we all are, and how he has so few solid friends from his youth, etc etc. To me it used to just seems normal, but as I talk to people my age I realise how entirely unusual it is. I would say that we're 'low drama' people, and that we have no appetite for anyone otherwise. Many would probably call us boring. Personally, I think we've all known each other for so long, we all look out for each other. I wouldn't trade them for the world.
View on Reddit #19990331

No_demon_4226@reddit

I have several friends since childhood and we still keep in regular contact my family on the other hand I don't keep in contact with
View on Reddit #19990132

KimberlyMack555@reddit

I have lots of friends, from way back and current. My family, not so much. I guess I’m on some sort of inverse path. Sucks to be cast the black sheep when you’re not such a black sheep.
View on Reddit #19989633

Empty-Taste-2777@reddit

I don’t even like my family
View on Reddit #19989631

YTChillVibesLofi@reddit

My partner and my family are the only people who ever contact me. It kinda dawned on me that no one speaks to me unless I make first contact, that people only stick around when they’re getting something out of you that really benefits them a lot and colleagues have to keep up appearances of friendship but are in no way true friends. Reality is actually rather sad when you stop to think on it.
View on Reddit #19989572

lanakane55@reddit

Not sure if this is asking for inspiration but If you’re looking for ideas of things to do as a solo person, search my post in this sub x
View on Reddit #19989430

raccoonsaff@reddit

I have a fair few 'semi friends', like people I can message, some maybe have a phone call with, but no one close enough to just, like, hang out with. I guess a few I'm close enough with to meet up with to DO something, e.g. visit a museum or the cinema or something?
View on Reddit #19989408

confuzzledfather@reddit

I am 42, I struggle to maintain relationships because I am so forgetful. I will go weeks or months without thinking to contact someone and then often avoid doing so because I feel guilty and get anxiety about how they will react. Even when younger I think ive also always been the person making the effort to organise meetings and activities with the friends I do have, and I have kind of got bored of being that person and getting little back. So it's just me and my wife now. If anyone in Suffolk, UK wants some buddies let me know!
View on Reddit #19989361

RavagedDeity@reddit

24 here, still caught up in remote work so my social life during and outside work is non-existent, besides my girlfriend who lives with me. I don't really have online friends either.
View on Reddit #19989287

cammyk123@reddit

26M here, yea i have a lot of friends from work and elsewhere, i'd say maybe 3 or 4 different friend "groups" i'd say it's a weird week if I don't hang out with them at least once.
View on Reddit #19988697

Sir_Morgoth@reddit

Join the club
View on Reddit #19987961

Rare_Pollution@reddit

I have a couple I consider to be close. Though most of the time I feel like I'm skirting around the edge of a friendship group and sometimes I get invited to stuff. My best friend I actively avoid meeting up with sometimes because when we do get together we are usually drinking until sunrise and I'm 30s now and it takes me 4 days to get over it. I work full time and have some good work friends that scratch the itch, and a partner and child who take up the rest of my energy. Inbetween all of that I find very little motivation to seek out social events and socialising outside of my family. To summarise, I have so little spare time that often I choose doing basically nothing at home over pursuing and maintaining friendships. Maybe it will be different by the time my child is grown.
View on Reddit #19987576

PrometheusZero@reddit

I have a few friends, certainly a core group of 3 local friends and an extended university group of a few couples. There's a few aquintances that I know too but they are a circle further out than friends. There's an ex that I hold in high regard too and chat to sometimes, they are probably the wisest person I know! I'm not sure I'd consider my family members friends. I feel to be freinds with someone they have to be a peer. Don't get me wrong, they're family and I enjoy spending time with them but I wouldn't open up to them with any emotional baggage or be too informal with them. Maybe it's because there's no-one of my generation in my family, I didn't 'grow up' with any of them. The same with work colleagues. I enjoy going out to work socials but I wouldn't invite any of them to my birthday or trust them with emotional vunerability. Not when my livelihood is at stake. But I enjoy being entertaining and making people laugh. It's all a bit of a character but seeing people smile and enjoy my little bits genuinely is one of the few things that makes me happy.
View on Reddit #19987561

kt1982mt@reddit

Me! I’ve ended up a bit isolated from the friends that I once had, thanks to my health issues. I’m quite introverted though so it’s not the end of the world to me. Yes, I’d like to socialise a wee bit more than I currently do, but I’m fine with an occasional coffee meet-up with one or two friends a few times a year.
View on Reddit #19987129

melielush@reddit

My boyfriend is the same, he's 26 & has never kept friends through his life. He has his family, and his colleagues. He is very happy with that & insists it is all he needs I'm the complete opposite, I've only ever cut 2 friends off by choice & still speak to I'd say 50% of the people I'd EVER considered a friend.. None of them talk to each other still after cutting contact at some stage or another, and I'm in a state of constant stress & exhaustion trying to maintain all these separate mostly long distance friendships and trying to navigate adult life at the same time. Sometimes he does get a little envious of how busy I keep myself with my social life, but overall he is ultimately happy and probably wouldn't have paid that a second thought was he not living with & dating me.
View on Reddit #19987099

DirectDelivery8@reddit

I live in the middle of nowhere and don't leave the property very often. I might go the the village to see people or get wasted. I don't have many friends and that's fine by me. My wife is an extrovert and will go to great lengths to see people. I don't like talking out loud.
View on Reddit #19986838

oliviaxlow@reddit

This is Reddit, comments about this sort of stuff is always going to be skewed towards the socially awkward.
View on Reddit #19986624

JasPassinBye@reddit

People are not real…
View on Reddit #19985705

bruised__violet@reddit

I don't have any local friends (and only 2 or 3 in the whole continent), and also don't have family.
View on Reddit #19985218

WhatAmIDoingHere2092@reddit

No I have a lot of friends and I love them a lot. My relationship with my family is fine but kinda wonky lately. 
View on Reddit #19984897

KeeftheTeef@reddit

I have no friends. I'm 42, male. I go to work, come back home, eat, sleep, repeat. Maybe a workout a few times a week. Sad existence, I realise.
View on Reddit #19984660

daz1987@reddit

It's hard enough putting up with family, let alone friends.
View on Reddit #19984621

an_empty_field@reddit

I have four good friends outside of family or work - and I only talk regularly to about 3 at work. Aside from that, I would consider myself an introvert and kind of a loner.
View on Reddit #19971591

Mrsnutkin@reddit

I feel like loner has very negative connotations but I can relate.
View on Reddit #19981910

an_empty_field@reddit

I don't know how else to put it, tbh
View on Reddit #19982624

Mrsnutkin@reddit

I get it. It’s just when I first heard someone describe me like that it shocked me
View on Reddit #19984407

Fortesfortunajuvat27@reddit

About to turn 30, single with no friends. I hang out with my sister a lot like a sad third wheel situation. Life is looking pretty bleak from here on out…
View on Reddit #19984327

paulruk@reddit

I have people I work with and I'd say one good mate who lives a distance away I've not seen in real life for over a year. My family (outside wife and daughter) live 5+hrs away (I'm 42). I realise I have no friends when if I want to watch a football match in a bar, I've nobody to ask. Same with the cinema. That feels lonely.
View on Reddit #19983673

Ch1pp@reddit

Yeah, not that many friends but it's mostly my fault for working a lot to pay for my house getting more qualified. I should prioritise socialising more but it's not something I enjoy much.
View on Reddit #19983352

Educational_Bowl_447@reddit

I can relate. Things is, I see a lot of the comments here about how they’re all married. Lucky them, they have family. I have family, but I’m 31 and stuck living with the parents. All my friends have moved on with their own lives and I too am struggling to try all the social activities. I want friends. In fact today I had a day off work and started getting very existential and lonely. I went out for a walk and came home; the feelings I felt dread and loneliness came seeping right back in. I tried to shrug it off with videogames but that can only take you so far. Here I am nearly 11pm and can’t get to sleep. Hope you’re doing okay though.
View on Reddit #19983034

33Supermax92@reddit

31 , married with a wife and son not had a friend in around 12 years . A friend or two would be nice with kids the same age but I’m not outgoing enough
View on Reddit #19982984

throwaway_ArBe@reddit

Very few. Im disabled and raising a kid, doesnt leave much time for friends.
View on Reddit #19976796

Mrsnutkin@reddit

Hello. That sounds similar to me. Disabled and raising a kid. I could have written that.
View on Reddit #19982687

Aphr0dite19@reddit

My family are scattered to say the least. We don’t live near each other or even in the same country for some, but we keep up on social media, messenger, WhatsApp etc. I have five or so good friends and we message each other. But they are all busy so we don’t see each other often but more than I do family. I’ve lost both my parents (I’m almost 50 so), lost contact with some people I called family (death, divorce, estrangement), so my friends mean a lot to me.
View on Reddit #19982661

admiral_vals@reddit

I don't have any friends
View on Reddit #19982660

bestorangeever@reddit

Welcome to adulthood and having fuckall friends
View on Reddit #19982329

Blink18Cait-98@reddit

Personally, I think it's too much to have a large circle of friends. I barely go out to see people, I spend literally all my spare time with my partner, and the next person I tend to hang with the most is my sister. I have a few work friends that I sometimes go out with, but the meetings are very few and far between. But I'm okay with that. I don't have the time for drama and I'm quite happy being reclusive
View on Reddit #19969209

numatik01@reddit

The more friends you have the more drama happens
View on Reddit #19982240

kakakakapopo@reddit

I'm 40. The only people I socialise with are family or (unwillingly, though some are nice) my kids parents. I have three friends: one lives 400miles away, one in Australia and the other I see semi occasionally. It does make me a bit miserable tbh. Having kids means there's also limited chance to make new friends and/or I can't be fucked as I just want some time on my own when I do get some downtime. I think it's just an inevitable part of getting older.
View on Reddit #19982184

No_Mark_1189@reddit

I don\`t even have those that I am related to, nor do I have a work where I am surrounded with other people. Its just me, my laptop and my cats. PS eight years ago I was your age and in same situation. Don\`t end up like me
View on Reddit #19982160

gymerny_cricket@reddit

Me, and got little by means of family to.
View on Reddit #19982137

Narrow-Classroom-993@reddit

Fuck me Reddit is from
View on Reddit #19970591

PiscetIscariot@reddit

😂😂😂
View on Reddit #19982050

imaginewizard@reddit

I don’t have friends within my family either.
View on Reddit #19982013

bookishbilly@reddit

I have loads of friends, but I feel unattractive and unloveable in a romantic way, which is a shitty way to feel about yourself. There’s only so much self-esteem being a good friend can give you. My family relationships are not good, so I think my connection with my friends is deeper, and much more liberating. I don’t think my family care to know the real me.
View on Reddit #19981934

Evil_phoenix666@reddit

I’m 34 will be 35 in just over a month and I have exactly 1 friend Where do you find these friends?
View on Reddit #19971508

Mrsnutkin@reddit

It gets harder with age. I had a few friends in junior school. Then I befriended someone and my friends left me. In high school, I was bullied. I was seen as odd. I have a few friends from Uni but we lost touch. We don’t speak for months on end. I’m a loner, I guess.
View on Reddit #19981810

RoyofBungay@reddit

I wouldn't worry about it. I am 52 and in a similar position to you. It's never been important for me to have my friends. I am too busy with the work and study and getting on with life.
View on Reddit #19966417

numatik01@reddit

I’m same age as you. Myself and my wife had a small group of friends U.K. to 2021 that we socialised with and went away on holiday with. We decided back in 2021 to have a holiday on our own as a family (2 teenagers) and they really didn’t like it. They totally gave us the cold shoulder after us going away on our own but also due to the fact me and my wife don’t drink as much as they do. Their new friends drink excessively. It’s a shame but they will all become heavy drinkers and most probably alcoholics so for riddance to them!
View on Reddit #19981733

Ill_Camp1028@reddit

What are friends?
View on Reddit #19981698

Lumpyproletarian@reddit

Me - my last two friends have died. I’m in my sixties and they were slightly older with long term health problems. Since I’m now a carer for my elderly mum, I don’t know when or if I‘ll make more. Good job my family is huge
View on Reddit #19965456

bossrat2@reddit

Something you may wish to consider is carer groups, either online or in person. I was a carer for an older man with severe mental illness. It's very therapeutic to complain bitterly about the various bureaucracies that carers have to deal with, eg the DWP phones your loved one who is convinced they are a scam and then shouts at them to piss off as you run into the living room to try and stop them. Tea and sympathy is good but hearing about other people's cock ups makes you feel less alone.
View on Reddit #19974162

Lumpyproletarian@reddit

Oh god, the last thing I need is more time spent on this crap.  I want time totally away, time doing something that requires thought and not the same old same old every day. She has all her marbles.  She is a lovely woman.  We spend days in front of the television.  I can feel my brain dying
View on Reddit #19981481

w-i-l-d-y@reddit

You have my respect for what you are doing
View on Reddit #19972029

mishmishtamesh@reddit

I don't really enjoy people. Most of the time their interests and conversations are boring to me. I wish it were otherwise but it isn't. Also I find that people are quite demanding. I would wish for such a relationship to be deep and light at the same time which is a difficult thing to find. I am actively not looking. Also maybe I don't have much about my life that I feel the need to share.
View on Reddit #19981400

AlekosPaBriGla@reddit

Meeting friends through work is pretty normal I'd say. Like, it's literally either school, uni, work, house sharing, or through other mates or people you know that most people meet the people they know. Other than folk I've met travelling I'm not in regular contact with anyone that I didn't meet from one of those 5 ways. Most of my mates are from work or school.
View on Reddit #19981184

Consistent-Ad-9677@reddit

Here here
View on Reddit #19980997

StatusPudding7051@reddit

I do have friends. Due to me not being able to physically get out much ( I’m very overweight) I don’t see them so much. So sometimes feel that I have no friends
View on Reddit #19966169

spund_@reddit

well at least you have an easy solution to being able to meet them more often 
View on Reddit #19968933

StatusPudding7051@reddit

Do I ?
View on Reddit #19969843

spund_@reddit

(yes)
View on Reddit #19970183

StatusPudding7051@reddit

I have a food addiction I am trying
View on Reddit #19970694

spund_@reddit

you'll get there chief, I did it myself! get addicted to something else, eat volume food, never ever skip breakfast (protein not just toast/cereal) no carbs in the evening, never drink sugary drinks
View on Reddit #19971129

StatusPudding7051@reddit

Thanks I’ve failed so many times and ended up at a ridiculous size. What’s good to get addicted to , I mean more healthy ?
View on Reddit #19971618

Agitated_Bowler3829@reddit

There’s a Reddit sub for people who like maximum volume of food intake for limited amount of calories. If you are used to eating bigger meals it’s going to be exceptionally difficult to cut back your portion sizes especially if it’s coupled with mental health too. r/Volumeeating 
View on Reddit #19980921

spund_@reddit

That's a Question you should ask to psychiatrist.
View on Reddit #19971933

brutussdad@reddit

Dude i'm not even on friendly terms with 90% of my family
View on Reddit #19980620

PeanutButtterEggDirt@reddit

I think a lot of it is just luck. I was quite lucky to have made life long friends at university. My girlfriend, who is just about the friendliest person you would ever meet, hasn't really got any friends, outside of her family. If anyone should have friends it should be her, but I have done very little except luck out with the people I met in my halls.
View on Reddit #19980608

Dangerous_Service106@reddit

*raises hand*
View on Reddit #19980518

Mrsnutkin@reddit

I can relate. Tried posting in a friends group on here but just didn’t vibe really. I’ve had acquaintances and I’ve got online “friends” but it’s just my husband, my small family, his family and my kid really.
View on Reddit #19980467

AdrenalineAnxiety@reddit

I've tried really hard to make friends as an adult but failed, in some cases spectacularly. I used to have online folks through video games but now I don't play MMOs or online games I don't even have online friend groups. I really miss it to be honest. Of course I am very grateful for my husband and he's always gonna be my best friend and all that but I do feel socially lonely. I've even contemplated playing league of legends again just to find a connection with another person so that shows you how desperate I've felt at times!
View on Reddit #19967264

Mrsnutkin@reddit

I hear this almost completely.
View on Reddit #19980368

LUSHxV2@reddit

Not league!
View on Reddit #19968075

Danglyweed@reddit

I'm 37 and became disabled 3 years ago followed 5 weeks later by my husband ( genuine stress related that's now chronic/lifelong). Friends, hah! My friends were awesome as were random strangers at first, both of us admitted to hospital within 24 hours, we had random kids mum from school come take 4 kids and dog.
View on Reddit #19980345

Ukteaboy@reddit

Mid fifties here. Retiring very soon and kids off to uni, leaving just me and the Mrs. I have my best friend of 40 odd years, and that's about it, but then he's pretty much the same - there used to be 6 of us, but we'd drifted by30. I have two 'couples friends' and my BIL who's essentially a proper mate anyway. Had a brilliant group of uni friends who kept in loose, but regular contact til early forties. I'm absolutely fine with having few friends though. Frankly, seeing this small umber on some kind of rotation takes up 2-3 weekends in a month anyway.
View on Reddit #19980317

zebra1923@reddit

Yep. Wife is my best, but only, friend. Well, I’ve got my dog too I suppose.
View on Reddit #19980313

IndividualCurious322@reddit

Zero friends and zero family (Father died when I was 12, Mother when I was 17). I busy myself with reading, studying and drawing.
View on Reddit #19980176

wrathchiiild@reddit

I find that although I have made plenty of friends as an adult, it's such a pale imitation of the intensity and closeness of friendships I had in my teens and early twenties so it often feels like I don't.
View on Reddit #19979933

fenian_ghirl@reddit

Me. 35, I made a friend at work and were now bestows, id given up by this point lol
View on Reddit #19979920

Captain_Blunderbuss@reddit

I have people who would hang out with me if I asked but I am simply so antisocial that when I'm on my days off I just stay at home 😂 I have a partner and a baby all my social energy goes on them so the rest of my time I just want to be to myself.
View on Reddit #19979658

Bearded_Tech@reddit

I work with computers so people scare me. I am 40 and had one friend.. UNTIL.. I got in touch with an old one recently, now it have two!!
View on Reddit #19979630

MrsEgg1993@reddit

Me, unless discord friends I speak to every day but have never met in real life count? And to be honest I'm perfectly happy on my own and always have been. My parents used to joke there was something wrong with me as a young kid as I preferred animals company. I made good friends all through my teens and had a normal social life, but from probably 23 onwards became increasingly reclusive.
View on Reddit #19979602

Korilian@reddit

At 40 I have a solid group of friends. I often go months without seeing them, but I rarely go week without having plans with one of them. Honestly, between work and hobby's one meet-up a week is plenty. I get a lot of social at work during the week.
View on Reddit #19979349

SpotAccomplished3233@reddit

47 married with 2 kids, so people we speak off work are just other kids parents when we go to kids parties. Other than that we have 3 couples we chat via whatsapp groups, and we used to speak with tesco lady when she asked us if we have a clubcard. Unfortunately now we need to do her job on the till for free, there goes another friend….
View on Reddit #19979249

Orcley@reddit

Zero for most of my adult life. No issue making friends, just keeping them. These days I can't be arsed, so I just have some online friends and talk to cats instead
View on Reddit #19978616

Suspicious_girl1990@reddit

I have none. And I’m fine with that now.
View on Reddit #19978073

pax--britannica@reddit

Depends how you define friends really. I've got 3 that I regularly see and check in with, we know deep parts of each others lives etc. Got approx 10-15 that I'll meet up with occasionally and are on the peripherals that I would call my friends, some might call them acquaintances, but they're not "situational" in that regardless of shared hobbies, location etc, I'll still see them from time to time. I also have the work lot that I get on with and will see outside of work a few times a year, would consider them friends but realistically if I moved jobs and location that would change.
View on Reddit #19977942

woods_edge@reddit

Married, no friends.
View on Reddit #19977896

Dj3nty@reddit

I'm 30 and have no real friends. As I grew up and had kids I realised I had nothing in common with my friends at the time and didn't really think they were good friends. It is lonely at times but I'd struggle to find time with parenting work and spending time with my fiancé.
View on Reddit #19977779

Jerico_Hill@reddit

Other way for me. I rarely see my family and I have a lot of friends. I'm 38 for reference. I'd say have about 10-12 really close friends and more than 20 less close friends. Not quite sure how it happened, but I've been friends with most of them for over 10 years. 
View on Reddit #19977774

Master_Block1302@reddit

One of my best mates is about the most charming guy I’ve ever met. He’s 50 now, and literally makes new friends all the time. I saw him about a month back and asked him what’s new. He said ‘oh, I’m off to Barbados with Bob and Jane and Maria and Wasim and their families in April’ I’m like ‘who TF are Bob and Jane and Maria and Wasim etc etc?’ I’ve never even heard of them?!?! Him: “oh just people I met via kids school, cricket, that nice pub in town etc’ So it absolutely *can* be done.
View on Reddit #19977423

grockle90@reddit

Any friends I've had have dwindled in numbers over the years. I'm at the stage where I see anyone outside my family who I get along with/occasionally see purposefully (i.e. not accidental "bumping into") as "acquaintances". But I guess my "excuse" for lack of better term is only realising I'm on the Autism Spectrum about 5 years ago (I turn 34 this year).
View on Reddit #19977415

grockle90@reddit

Any friends I've had have dwindled in numbers over the years. I'm at the stage where I see anyone outside my family who I get along with/occasionally see purposefully (i.e. not accidental "bumping into") as "acquaintances". But I guess my "excuse" for lack of better term is only realising I'm on the Autism Spectrum about 5 years ago (I turn 34 this year).
View on Reddit #19977406

Thestilence@reddit

I'm 39, never had any friends, not close to my family. My life is pretty miserable and pointless.
View on Reddit #19977236

Kiwi_Shep@reddit

man... this is gonna be me in 5 years, thats depressing (tbf its me rn but, fuck) - you could argue i have online friends but they dont rly count
View on Reddit #19977087

Round_Potato_7000@reddit

No Friends. Hell Yeah!!!!
View on Reddit #19977013

errwutt@reddit

I have 3 actual friends. Luckily 3 who I actually look at as family/brothers. But that’s it. So 3 friends, my girlfriend, and my mother. Me and my brother aren’t close so it’s safe to say my real meaningful social circle is actually only 5 people deep. I’m very content with that though.
View on Reddit #19976951

KatVanWall@reddit

In my 40s and my group of 4 oldest/closest friends are geographically all quite far apart. The closest is 45 minutes away but she works 2 hours in the opposite direction as well, so it’s not like I can just drop round any time. The others are 1 hour, 1 hour 45, and 3 hours away. All except one of us has kids and of course we all work (except one, who homeschools her kid, which keeps her busy enough!), and a couple of us have pretty irregular work hours/shifts as well. So we only meet up about 2–3 times a year. No ad hoc going to the pub or anything. I’ve tried making ‘mum friends’ to no avail and don’t want to be too pushy either. I don’t want to be the kind of person who thinks just because our kids get on, we have to be besties. My kid goes to school 50 minutes from where we live as well, making it even harder. I do have ‘friendly acquaintances’ with kids where I live, but I’m always the one reaching out and trying to plan stuff and if I get a ‘meh’ vibe twice in a row I just back off because I don’t want to be ‘too much’, yanno? I have my kid only 50% of the time, and my friends/acquaintances who are parents don’t seem to be interested in having more ‘grown up’ evenings/nights out on my off weeks. Can’t really blame them as not everyone has easy access to childcare, and I don’t want to push the issue and make them jealous about my free time either. On the flip side, I don’t seem to fit easily into the typical local ‘single and childfree’ activities because I do have my kid half the time so can’t commit to the stuff they want you to commit to and don’t have the same lifestyle or things in common either. I’ve tried hobby and interest groups, but I’m a crafter and artist, and in my small rural town those groups still skew very much older. I’m certainly not averse to having friends who are retired and in their 70s or 80s, but I get the impression those folks don’t feel like they have much in common with me and they’re polite but not overly warm. Tried MeetUp and people had driven in many cases for over an hour in various directions simply to drink together in a pub garden. I met ONE person from my actual town. One person, and he was a bit weird. I’d love to pop down town for random pub drinks occasionally, but it did not seem to be a great way of meeting actual locals. So yeah. You’re not alone. I’m actually quite extroverted and would love to meet more people, but I’m not sporty and that seems to limit me. I’m old enough now to look creepy alone in pubs and clubs but too young for the retired folks’ activities 😭
View on Reddit #19976841

abductedfrog@reddit

Mate I don't even have *family* let alone friends!
View on Reddit #19967183

babalutfi@reddit

How old are you? How come you don't have a family?
View on Reddit #19971515

abductedfrog@reddit

I was born into a family that hated me for no good reason other than being "too fat", or so they told me from the age of 9. All my parents have done is use me against one another, then abuse and blame me for it. My mum told my attempted murderer to lie in court and he got away with it, my dad can't own up to the fact he was a pos parent that allowed me to get almost murdered. I cut them all off but before I could do that, my attempted murderer told everyone I know that *I tried to kill him* and they all believed it. So not only am I disabled on top of this, I live somewhere I have no one and constantly get told I'm a liar by doctors and mental health professionals. I was also told by a CPN that if she lived my life "she'd have killed herself already" I cry for help often but it's always "see? I told you she was crazy"
View on Reddit #19972121

babalutfi@reddit

Sorry you had to go through this. Sadly some of us are not fit to raise children. I hope your future will be brighter than your past.
View on Reddit #19976631

542Archiya124@reddit

I have very little friend by choice. ​ Quite frankly, most people aren't that great. I don't enjoy shallow friendship either + my definition of "friendship" is not just some people you end up hanging out casually or just do some fun stuff together with and thats it. Those are maybe acquaintences. But friends? Someone who actually understands and accept me. And that's rare. ​ Thus I have little friends. And I'm fine with it. Better that than fake "friends" any day.
View on Reddit #19976569

iwantwo@reddit

do internet friends count?
View on Reddit #19976547

Alber_uk@reddit

Sadly with work / Study hard to find time for that. Most of reddit chats are kind of another way of dating apps which don’t work for either friendships or even dating. If you’re keen for socialising I’d recommend use meetup for any local reading, running or activities group. Volunteering in local libraries/ charities for sometime. That can help with social network outside of your zone. If you’re in Manchester area or nearby I’m more than happy to meet or invite your for some activities
View on Reddit #19976512

The-Mayor-of-Italy@reddit

Absolutely. Everyone got married and had kids and the kids are all pretty varied ages so don't hang around together much, plus we're spread over a ~15 mile radius, so not too far but not right next door in spontaneous visit territory either.
View on Reddit #19976410

dawn_to_dusk@reddit

I was living abroad for around 4 years, where I had a group of friends I consider as family. It was idyllic! We all lived together, and those that didn't live with us would be around unannounced every night. We spent weekends together at the beach on road trips and got a house cat together. It was the same kind of dynamic kind seen in the show Friends (don't wanna hear how shit it is it's just an example OK 😂). We'd stay up until 5 am playing poker and screaming in heated arguments about board game technicalities. We'd throw regular house parties. Just vibes. Then 😡 Due to unforseen circumstances I had to leave the country suddenly and move back to the UK. I have friends here from school, a small group, and other friends from various things. Quite a lot of people actually, yet none of them are ever free between work and weekend plans. Most now live in London and are 'fully booked up' months in advance, and even so, I seem to have way less in common with them now as they all seem to love the same work, gym, work gym lifestyle that seems to be the UK's whole personality. That is absolutely fine, just not me. Meeting people, especially when not living in a massive expensive city is almost impossible. I have never been so depressed coming back here. I'm just biding my time until I can leave again. People say it's a problem with our generation but it's definitely cultural. British people are the least warm, friendly, or confident folk on the planet, all of which are basic requirements for making new friends.
View on Reddit #19976379

Flashy_Jacket_8427@reddit

They just let you down. Only friend I need is my partner and my dog
View on Reddit #19976109

DeniseGunn@reddit

Me, I had one friend but now she’s started hanging out with a mutual female friend of her husband and I don’t see her any more 😔. It really upsets me because we were so close and she said she felt she’d always known me, now months go by and I never hear from her, if I text her I get one sentence answers. I lost my husband 2 years ago and have no family so I’m extremely lonely 😓.
View on Reddit #19976012

Whosentyounow@reddit

Happy to admit I have no friends
View on Reddit #19975969

Straight_Dwight_Male@reddit

I’m 34, got maybe 3 friends. 1 local and the other 2 online from Glasgow and Hull. The rest of them I cut ties with after they sided with my former best friend knowing he screwed me over
View on Reddit #19975713

7730bubble@reddit

I'm 18, I've got a friend I see around twice a year that I talk to more online due to him living further up the country and I have some online friends but in terms of friends close by in my area I have none. Haven't been in proper school since 14 though due to bad experiences so never really got the chance to make them and now I suck at talking to people my own age, especially fellow girls. I'm super close with my mum though. She is genuinely my best friend
View on Reddit #19975555

steflizz@reddit

Don't really have any except those at work which I don't see out of work unless it's some works do.
View on Reddit #19975473

nappalm77@reddit

You have family? 
View on Reddit #19975023

a-hthy@reddit

I don’t have any friends. It’s my fault because I became depressed and sort of lost contact with the few people I would class as friends. My mum is my best friend and I’m always grateful for that.
View on Reddit #19974980

Affectionate-Till462@reddit

I don't even have family they're cunts lool, as for "friends" they're more like associates barely see em. Ppl have this weird ignoring thing especially with messages and mainly talk to you when they want something or wanna be nosey. You can imagine how my love life is now.. Never had any luck there either🙃
View on Reddit #19974958

tyre43@reddit

You mean so called friends. They are the ones who you find out that aren't really your friend after all, and then you end up getting rid of them. I've probably only got 5 real friends
View on Reddit #19974875

naturalqc_1989@reddit

Most males nowadays, friendship seems to be a female thing now…
View on Reddit #19974830

JohnCasey3306@reddit

This guy! I have one good friend outside of my family and that's all I want.
View on Reddit #19974744

Mclarenrob2@reddit

None whatsoever. I still live with family so I can survive but it's very lonely.
View on Reddit #19974568

OrganizationOk5418@reddit

I have one, who is also a colleague. Because we work together I could never share any deep stuff.
View on Reddit #19970289

songwritingimprover@reddit

if they leave or you leave, maybe make the effort to stay in touch. Left a job last, was friendly with this one girl and on my last day, invited her to go to coffee with me, we've been real friends since I left.
View on Reddit #19971154

OrganizationOk5418@reddit

We've been separated by work loads of times but manage to pick up where we left off.
View on Reddit #19974490

Xpecto_Depression@reddit

I (25) have a group of close friends I made in university but we barely see each other. 4 of us live in the same city, but 1 is married and incredibly busy with work, two others also have a lot going on with work, and I live outside the city and work from home. Two other friends live in a city nearby but we only see them a few times a year because travel is expensive and we're all busy. The last friend lives halfway across the world and we see her maybe once a year. My fiancé lives away for work so I see him a couple of times a month. I'm not close to my family at all; we text every few months at most, maybe call twice a year. Most of the time, I go days without speaking to another person. It's just me and my cats in the house and we only have a work meeting once a month.
View on Reddit #19974414

karlwb@reddit

I have perhaps a couple of friends - we don't see each other from one year to the next but we are still friends. I don't really have friends I see regularly.
View on Reddit #19974271

pineappleninjas@reddit

I don’t have friends or family, nice try Satan
View on Reddit #19973943

Forsaken_Register451@reddit

I’m in the same situation, 25 too! If anyone is from the uk and looking to make new friends - hit me up :)
View on Reddit #19973848

Abhi_shake4914@reddit

What friends do you want?
View on Reddit #19973791

wildfruit44@reddit

When I was your age I had loads of friends and was out nearly every night. Now I’m old and have no friends or social circle at all and I prefer it that way.
View on Reddit #19973598

MilliondollarQ@reddit

I have three mates I talk to every day and see once every couple of weeks. I work from home and physically interact with nobody but shop workers in the week, but I’m happy. It’s the quality of your friends not the amount that counts
View on Reddit #19973415

erbstar@reddit

I have one friend who I've not seen in 20 years and just speak on WhatsApp. I've got some good work colleagues and I need to be social for like 50% of my job. I go to NA meetings and am friendly with people there but not interested in seeing them outside of that setting. I'm involved with a community group that takes up a fair amount of time and have a partner and 2 older kids. I miss having loads of friends, but also happy to concede that they were people I used drugs with and just fucked around with. I've gone through times in life when I really needed a best friend and can still feel quite lonely sometimes. I'm mostly just busy with other shit though. My expectations of what a best friend is have never matched reality...
View on Reddit #19973173

JBL20412@reddit

I have less close friends than fingers on one hand and they are all too busy to proactively get in touch with me or respond to my messages or to meet up. I have no family. Simple
View on Reddit #19973124

grantyy94@reddit

I’m 29, have no friends bar the two I work with. Lost contact with all the old lads when we moved on with life. I fucking love it. I often think of myself as being one of those people who could fuck off to the depths of Alaska and live in a log cabin on my Tod. I’d probably die as my heating is set to 19 degrees but I wouldn’t mind giving it a go.
View on Reddit #19973066

Agitated_Ad8867@reddit

I’m in the same boat. I had a pretty good group of friends but covid distanced us all and now I don’t really see any of them.
View on Reddit #19973014

WetTheDreams@reddit

I think that's just adulthood, although bumble has a section for people looking to make friends instead of romance, I've never tried it but I guess that's an option
View on Reddit #19972992

rustyrustic@reddit

I've got none. My kids and partner have decided to throw me a 40th birthday party in a couple of months. I'm absolutely dreading it as hardly anyone will be there. There will be some family there, but no friends.
View on Reddit #19967392

Ornery_Opening3721@reddit

Why are you dreading it? Kids and a partner is more than many have.
View on Reddit #19972897

teapotpisser@reddit

I haven’t had friends since I left school nearly 14 years ago, only acquaintances
View on Reddit #19972826

rammscot@reddit

Same as you. Also 25. Same situation. It sucks 🥺
View on Reddit #19972704

DevOfTheTimes@reddit

Ye, I know the feeling im 30 and got about 2 really good mates, one i see weekly the other every few months, my best mate, who we both knew would see eachother for the rest of our lives, died last year in a bike crash in thailand. Lifes hard, when your with your friends, enjoy every second, because you never know if theyll make it to the next meet up.
View on Reddit #19972608

painful_butterflies@reddit

I have 2 "proper" friends, but that's as a result of my wife, they're her friends that I barged in on. Nobody from school lasted more than 5 years. Started a new job a few years back, they routinely had Friday night drink and steak at a pub near work, nothing rowdy, literally steak and pint then home, but from that we made some plans on weekends, and boom before you know it, I'm lumbered with commitments and a calendar filled with stuff. I just want a quiet weekend! /s I wouldn't stress yourself though... With friends it's quality, not quantity. See if any workmates want to go for a pint or whatever as a group. You'd be surprised how easy it is expanding your circle. You'll also likely pick up new interests...
View on Reddit #19972364

Charming_CiscoNerd@reddit

As you grow older you have less and less friends, only the really good ones hang about….
View on Reddit #19972337

Dai_Bando@reddit

Depression took my energy. Anxiety took my confidence. Spent 10 yrs in a family unit, split suddenly and I just feel adrift at 43. Had exciting 20s with being in a band etc. Takes all my energy and 4 or 5 attempts to get out the front door now.
View on Reddit #19965042

w-i-l-d-y@reddit

I'm very recently in a position like this (minus being in a band) and I'm 36. Being social feels a lot like a chore and I struggle to bring myself to want to do it.
View on Reddit #19972302

phillybuster2765@reddit

Grab your gear and go to a jam night… If playing music might make you happy…
View on Reddit #19968934

klakkrr@reddit

I’m 36 and have no friends anymore. On paper I’m the perfect friend; caring, outgoing, a good wingwoman, happy to drive, but we’ve moved around so much that they’ve all disappeared over time. The one friend I had last year stopped talking to me when I told her I was pregnant. I have an amazing husband, but I’m lonely for female company.
View on Reddit #19972164

shell-84@reddit

I'm never at the right place at the right time. I.e. came to secondary school from a different country and everyone already had their cliques. Had more acquaintances when working but after going remote due to COVID hardly met up with anyone. Not for lack of trying. Then when my child got a place at a school we waited for years to get into I and my daughter were the new ones. Novelty for a few days and then the groups resumed together in their known groups. I can still get a coffee morning with some of the friendly mums but I definitely know that I haven't got a "through thick or thin" or "thick as thieves" kinda friend. Thank god I'm married and see my husband as a friend but as for women my age and in a particular time in life I think it will take years to establish true friendships and that's not guaranteed either. I guess I'd say I do have one friend who I see maybe once a year but if I needed something I reckon she would do anything she can to help. That comforts me to know one true friend for life. Although due to different points in our lives she isn't around to see like every week or have coffee with or a walk. I wish I had someone like that who doesn't think 1 hour a week walking etc is impossible. Anyway must be grateful for family, health etc. stay positive people xx
View on Reddit #19972140

tan_dem@reddit

If you’re writing because you’d like more then check out apps like meetup where you can meet like minded individuals. I moved to a new country and used it to find football and other common interests. I made lifelong friends.
View on Reddit #19972087

DrayCole@reddit

Just turned 30. I have a wife and 2 kids. I haven’t bothered with any of my “friends” for nearly 5 years and I couldn’t give a shit. It always felt like a lot of effort and very exhausting having friends. Glad I don’t have to do it anymore!
View on Reddit #19971853

DubiousVirtue@reddit

I'm 59, and have done a sex on multiple occasions. I lost interest in it a few years ago after it ran my life. I had school friends, I've had some work friends, my best friend was the only one who offered assistance - in a pub full of my supposed friends - when I had to move. We've been friends for forty-odd years. I've not really made proper friends with people I've worked with since, Just never got past the casualness of it all. My Better half I would have to class as my closest friend. So the supposed three close friends thing, I class to be rather a fib. My advice would be to either test those work friends to see if they are true friends and probably the same for the relations. My brother, the one still living, did us a favour with a bank transfer but I doubt him or my sister would go out of their way to help despite him being loaded and her being slightly richer than a church mouse. One, younger brother died this year, OD we believe. My eldest daughter died after abusing prescription drugs because of toothache. I'm out of work now and applying but I don't hold out much hope. Maybe I'll go to the wardrobe and look out for the Father-in-Laws opium pills.
View on Reddit #19971783

Time_Classic_1736@reddit

26F let’s be friends
View on Reddit #19971759

Agreeable-Director41@reddit

Get a dog if you need unconditional love and friendship. Humans aren't reliable, it's in our nature.
View on Reddit #19971756

w-i-l-d-y@reddit

Yep! I can count my friends on one hand. Marriage broke down and ended (no fault of my own) and I "lost" a group of people I thought were friends. It now seems like it was more a friendship of convenience, despite being in the friend group pre-marriage.
View on Reddit #19971724

nerdrick@reddit

i have no friends
View on Reddit #19971650

songwritingimprover@reddit

I'm 24, I have 3 friends from secondary school. 1 is my best friend in the whole world, 2 of them, I lost touch with but then reconnected with them last year. Best friend I speak to nearly every day, others I speak to less often. From uni I have 4 friends, but generally just send each other funny posts, not really "deep friendships." But we do stay in touch so I would count them as friends. From my previous job I have 2 friends I stay in contact with, still meet up with for drinks and coffee occasionally individually and together. Going to a concert with one of them this month. I will say though- most of these friendships are because I put effort in to speak to these people. I think if I stopped messaging them, they wouldn't reply. except my best friend.
View on Reddit #19971581

TheRoxyLondonWC2@reddit

I have 2 guys I'd call friends, but we all live miles apart so I seldom see them buy we chat a fair bit on WhatsApp. I've let a couple of othe long - term friendships slide away over the last couple of years, I was just finding that we had less & less in common as time wore on. Happy with things as they are now, tbh.
View on Reddit #19971441

Sophie_rose95@reddit

Me👋🏼 28F. Here if you need an online pal!
View on Reddit #19966565

Single_Ad3969@reddit

Bristoliannnnnn
View on Reddit #19971398

cankennykencan@reddit

I could do with an online pal !
View on Reddit #19970797

mh1191@reddit

32, married, I think I have one friend excluding mutual friends with my wife. Makes it difficult to talk about any relationship issues.
View on Reddit #19969558

Disastrous_Candle589@reddit

I dunno. I have no friends and sometimes i think that’s better
View on Reddit #19971145

Akakiiii@reddit

🙋
View on Reddit #19971144

Present-Solution-993@reddit

Me. It's not a happy story though. Used to have a group of about 7 or 8 friends including my best friend. We hung out all the time in our early 20s, then my best friend died when I was about 27. We all drifted apart, I'm 34 now and haven't seen any of them in many years, pretty much since it happened. I've had a girlfriend for 10 years somehow, I'm not the greatest mentally but neither is she so our relationship is unorthodox but we've had a good time on the whole. She was there for the whole thing so she knows how much it fucked me up. Last year a new guy started at my work and we became fast friends, I'm fairly antisocial and picky with people but we shared some niche interests and our style of conversation just fit really well. We're drivers for a living so we're on the phone all the time, recently he started coming to my workshop that I rent for car projects on the weekend sometimes. Honestly it freaked me out for a while how well we got on. Haven't had a proper friend since my best friend left and I didn't know how to handle it, had a couple of breakdowns because of it. I suppose it still freaks me out. I'm way too introspective and existential for some reason, 99% of the time when interacting with him it's easy and natural so I know I'm still human but overall it's weird for me.
View on Reddit #19971079

tittychittybangbang@reddit

I’m a 31 year old woman, I have 12 very close girlfriends. I speak to all of them at different times throughout the month. We all have 1-5 children, ranging from newborn to teens, and we are all either working full or part time. (I have one child). I honestly don’t think this is really that many people, as I acquired these friendships at different points in my life. They all mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t be without any of them. Another close male friend is a husband of one of these women, and then another close male is a cousin that isn’t really a cousin.
View on Reddit #19966312

SusNammy@reddit

Ok and how did you meet all those female friends
View on Reddit #19968239

tittychittybangbang@reddit

Primary school, secondary school and mostly work. For example I met my friend Millie at a job 10 years ago, she introduced me to her friend Casey as she knew we’d get along, now the three of us are inseparable and we’re all each others kids godmothers lol
View on Reddit #19970476

SusNammy@reddit

Guess as a 22 year old there's time for me
View on Reddit #19971075

Emmarrrrr@reddit

31 and having them for ten to twenty years, odds are school, college and uni.
View on Reddit #19969357

tittychittybangbang@reddit

Correct, primary school, secondary school, weirdly not uni, and then work when I left uni. I only made like one friend in uni and we didn’t stay in touch after
View on Reddit #19970295

SusNammy@reddit

Yeah I wasn't so lucky, never went to uni and the friends from school who did now have their own groups and I'm just chilling with a few mates but no one close
View on Reddit #19970035

Emmarrrrr@reddit

Same, honestly; everyone I went to school with has families now and here’s my tired asexual autistic self still living with my parents.
View on Reddit #19970090

ijustlovesnails@reddit

I only have my dog, husband , daughter and one friend
View on Reddit #19970961

ClockworkSkyy@reddit

No family or friends. I can move wherever I like without worry, I save money and most importantly, there's very little stress. Work colleagues are just about manageable and are kept at arms length. If I'm feeling intimate I'll find a prozzy although I have pondered a dog.
View on Reddit #19965431

spund_@reddit

but what are you going to do when you get too old to look after yourself?
View on Reddit #19966739

agoo5e@reddit

He'll let the dog lick him clean, obviously
View on Reddit #19970873

ClockworkSkyy@reddit

Maybe I'll meet someone, plenty of time yet. I've always said though if I can't look after myself I'd find a cliff.
View on Reddit #19966874

real_light_sleeper@reddit

Don’t fuck dogs please.
View on Reddit #19966492

AggressiveStagger@reddit

>If I'm feeling intimate I'll find a prozzy although I have pondered a dog. I think you'll find that's rather frowned upon.
View on Reddit #19966247

angienortheyauthor@reddit

You mean you've pondered getting intimate with a dog instead of a prozzy? I'm confused.
View on Reddit #19966108

Competitive_Gap_9768@reddit

Sounds weird aye
View on Reddit #19966173

DonkeyBirb@reddit

I'd probably say I have no friends. There are a few who I try to organise things with but the response is usually "I'll see what I'm doing" and I never hear back. Pretty much all but given up with that and don't really consider those friends anymore. I'm a really quiet person, so I find it hard to make new friends. Doesn't bother me though. I'm pretty content with or without; and pretty comfortable with who I am. My wife and 3 year old are more than enough for me to be happy.
View on Reddit #19970769

sertralinehelp123@reddit

I have 2 friends, I know I need to make more though as unfortunately they are both dealing with a lot at the moment, and as much as I know they'd want to help I don't feel like I can go to them right now
View on Reddit #19970708

jaycakes30@reddit

I barely have my family. I speak to my sister and that’s about it, I have the most amazing niblings too. Then there’s my partner, my best friend, and a few people I text. It gets lonely sometimes but I am far happier this way.
View on Reddit #19970523

MattyLePew@reddit

Meee, I have no friends apart from you guys... Right guys?... Right?...
View on Reddit #19970510

OfficalSwanPrincess@reddit

None. I have people I see on a regular basis but if I wasn't seen for 6.months no one would be excited to see me again, no one would text to check up on me. I've mostly made my peace with that, still gets a little lonely sometimes but after a bit of self pity it gets better
View on Reddit #19970428

Demoneyes1945@reddit

I’d say lots of acquaintances, maybe one-three true friends but I’ve never been the best at keeping in contact so I mightn’t see those friends for weeks or months. I’m 37 now and happy enough to fill my free time doing woodwork rather than wasting it talking nonsense about things I have no interest in :p
View on Reddit #19970375

AlbatrossDisastrous1@reddit

Outside of family? 🤨 I have little to no friends including my "family" 😔
View on Reddit #19970347

sushiyum12@reddit

I’m 19, soon to be 20. I find it difficult to make friends, I’m socially awkward and I only have very few friends.
View on Reddit #19969984

Forest-Dane@reddit

I don't have any real friends. I have people I work with and get on well with. Maybe going for a beer now and then. I have family on the in law side that I can go out with. Likewise friends from her friends side we go out with or meet occasionally. My friends? Many years of shite retail hours and many more of shifts combined with an introvert me and a lack of money for socialisation when younger with kids meant what friends I had are mostly distant memories. Depressing really
View on Reddit #19969949

AssistanceLucky2392@reddit

58 f widowed, no friends. I have acquired six cats and embraced my inner swamp witch. I am friendly, though, so hellooo
View on Reddit #19969939

No-Course-7600@reddit

I have a cat does she count
View on Reddit #19965749

b3ard3d1@reddit

I have two cats and two dogs and they're my besties!
View on Reddit #19969880

Past-Educator-6561@reddit

Yes
View on Reddit #19966751

takesthebiscuit@reddit

I have loads! There are tonnes of groups in your community that you can join
View on Reddit #19969809

Hambatz@reddit

You guys have family
View on Reddit #19969713

bobbyv137@reddit

I haven’t made a new, actual friend for many, many years. If anything, the small group of friends I have retained over the years are diminishing.
View on Reddit #19969620

MaleficentTop3478@reddit

I was a people person in my teen and 20 but the older i get the more i feel the need to distance myself from people and its so nice now to be able to actually love my own company :)
View on Reddit #19969616

Nedonomicon@reddit

Left a lot of my social circle behind in my late 20’s because they all got into hard drugs , did not regret this at all looking at where they are now Lost most of the rest due to work and having kids which was a bit of a grim time . However now the kids are little older I’ve met some great people through mutual hobbies and interests and from there my social circle has come back and I’ve got a nice little group of mates that look after each other in my mid 40’s
View on Reddit #19969546

faelavie@reddit

I have 5 friends that aren't colleagues, 2 of whom I consider close friends, though life stuff plus distance means I don't see them very often. My other friends are "work friends" and I actually don't know if we'd still keep contact if I wasn't working there any more...
View on Reddit #19969542

Anxious_Ad6026@reddit

I haven't anyone I could call right now if I wanted to go for a pint although I work with 30+ people
View on Reddit #19969519

IronBeegle@reddit

I moved to a foreign country 12 years ago. Right now im good friends with 2 people outside my family. a 55 yr old gangster and a 70 year old man with alcohol induced dementia. These guys are my training partners at the gym, i see them 5/6 days a week.
View on Reddit #19969458

414A44@reddit

Used to, then I decided not to have any a couple of years back. Going fairly well so far.
View on Reddit #19969432

walkyoucleverboy@reddit

28 & pretty much a loner.
View on Reddit #19969198

Working_Role_8374@reddit

After 21 years at the same company; pandemic and a new job. Turns out I had zero real friends. In my new job they are colleagues and not friends. I do miss the illusion of having friends just feel I got too old and never go anywhere to make them. I’m happy with that.
View on Reddit #19969140

Virtual-nomad327@reddit

Reading these comments I consider myself very fortunate. I have two close friends that I've known for life pretty much, a friend from an old career and gaming friends - I even went to one of my gaming friends Weddings. Not here to show off but to also share what I did, I formed a DND group, albeit from pre existing friends to begin with but it has since got bigger and i've made two new friends from it. In addition the chap who wedding I went to, we literally started talking about Warzone on Insta, decided to play some games and we hit it off, now we chat star wars, Marvel, comics etc most days, I met his family and made new friends through him who I chat with. I am NOT good at socialising just to be clear, in fact i'm a pretty awkward and introverted person at times. So I guess my message is put yourself out there and make the effort and it's possible to make new friends anytime.
View on Reddit #19969085

throwaway593090@reddit

At school I had loads of friends but we all drifted apart. Also they continually left me out when we got to 6th form. So that hurt. I have people I work with but I wouldn’t consider them friends. It’s kinda lonely but people my age are all married and have kids so they probably wouldn’t want me around anyways
View on Reddit #19969044

SpinMyEyes@reddit

Yup, none. Genuinely. Hate it.
View on Reddit #19968916

ClassOf37@reddit

M46 divorced.. I’ve got friends, but getting time with them is near impossible. Their lives are family-orientated.
View on Reddit #19968899

weirddogbas@reddit

I have my mum, my dad, my sister, my nan, my childhood best friend and my other childhood best friend. Then my boyfriend and like, five friends (one of which is my ex, also?)
View on Reddit #19968845

CandleAffectionate25@reddit

I have one or two ‘real’ friends and I’m currently planning our wedding, it’s a bit embarrassing really. At least I’ve got my sisters as bridesmaids!
View on Reddit #19968813

BeanOnAJourney@reddit

Me. I don't have any friends. The only people I speak to on a regular basis are my mum, my sister, my cousin and his wife. I say hello to neighbours and have a brief chat with some of them every now and then, but I wouldn't consider any of them to be friends.
View on Reddit #19968748

Zer0daveexpl0it@reddit

You're friends with your family?
View on Reddit #19968746

Thin_Markironically@reddit

Great question. Sometimes i feel like i have some really tight friends. Other times i feel like im kidding myself and im a sad lonely loser
View on Reddit #19967182

Daveypesq@reddit

Oh man I feel this one
View on Reddit #19968725

ChangingMyLife849@reddit

24, have my best mates from uni and a friend from my home town who I speak to every so often and that’s that
View on Reddit #19968704

Moist_Ad_4989@reddit

Just the 1
View on Reddit #19968682

Iasc123@reddit

Here's what I did - when my friends stopped answering their phones or returning my calls, I deleted their number! I'll wait for them to call me instead and I'll save their number then! It's been 2 years. I'm 30 and still waiting on their call! Oh the reminiscing we'll have!
View on Reddit #19968573

Massive_Bandicoot_57@reddit

I’ve zero, not one. I left them all behind after years of Making all the effort for no reward. So I’ve got my Family now and that’s all I need
View on Reddit #19968457

maxquordleplee3n@reddit

I do, I just very rarely ever see or speak to them.
View on Reddit #19968454

sagima@reddit

I’m the same. I’ve decided to try and change that this year but we’ll see
View on Reddit #19968413

GirlMcGirlface@reddit

Almost no family, only really see my mum. No friends. Since I became too ill to work or lend them money, or take them out, I got dropped like a stone. I'm only usually contacted if they need me for something. People have always been way more important to me than I have to them, so it's been very upsetting to learn that. Covid showed me that I can't make the excuse that they're busy anymore. None of us had anything to do during lockdown and I was still the only one making an effort and being ignored and kept on the fringes. I'm just invisible it seems
View on Reddit #19968368

H3athG1@reddit

99% on here
View on Reddit #19968356

Fit_Inflation6207@reddit

4q
View on Reddit #19968340

Annual-Avocado-1322@reddit

what's a friends
View on Reddit #19968221

Danny1641743@reddit

Developed type 1 diabetes at 15, really set me back in terms of me having confidence in building friendships and the ones I had fizzled out as they grew up and went to uni, I didn't. I have some family and colleagues at work but no friends.
View on Reddit #19967804

Craigothy-YeOldeLord@reddit

45, 1 actual friend, few people I "know" but recently tried to make that 2 actual friends but some where along the way they fizzled out it seems and aren't talking to me
View on Reddit #19967756

Kaervek07@reddit

Sorry to break it to you. But you have family and colleagues, but 0 friends. Honestly I'm the same, doesn't bother me in the slightest.
View on Reddit #19964382

phizzlek@reddit

The groups aren’t mutually exclusive.
View on Reddit #19967741

Past-Educator-6561@reddit

I consider some of my family and colleagues to be friends. Basically the ones I like.
View on Reddit #19966716

Competitive_Gap_9768@reddit

Really?
View on Reddit #19966057

pineappleshampoo@reddit

I have little to no family outside of my friends :)
View on Reddit #19967657

Faceratingthrowaway@reddit

0 so certified lonely bastard, however I have learned that language choice can make being lonely feel so much cooler - Solo maverick, midnight rider, desert drifter, lone marauder … life is all about perspective I suppose
View on Reddit #19967623

SnooMacarons9203@reddit

I can count my friends on one hand I get on with everyone else just fine but my small circle of friends are my tribe.
View on Reddit #19967521

papayametallica@reddit

I don’t have any friends… at all
View on Reddit #19967511

Forsaken-Language-26@reddit

I’d say I have a pretty active social life. I’m a member of several Meetup groups and that gets me out. Not many actual friends who I see outside of Meetup though. I have two who I see on a regular or semi-regular basis.
View on Reddit #19967508

DaysyFields@reddit

It's worse when you're retired so there's no workplace to see others.
View on Reddit #19967489

Ok-Excitement3794@reddit

Gang gang!! Let's go have a warm milk and talk about it
View on Reddit #19967463

Mrdeadfishrock1@reddit

Outside of my partner I don’t really have friends outside my family. Thought I had friends but then when I realised I was the one always messaging first and being active in the friendship and after who I thought was my closest friend didn’t invite me to his wedding (I know I’m not entitled to a invite but it still hurt to at least not get a “hey sorry can’t invite you because….” Would have been nice at least) so I decided to just stop caring.
View on Reddit #19967358

SmokingLaddy@reddit

My ex was like that, boring bitch.
View on Reddit #19967285

CosyBosyCrochet@reddit

I have a group of friends we do board game nights/pub quizzes with but they’re technically my husbands friends lol, I don’t have any of my own, though they are my friends too like I’ve been out with them without him, but still, I just can’t seem to maintain a friendship outside of being forced to see them every day for work
View on Reddit #19967229

Sniperxls@reddit

Around 5 friends but only like 2 close friends. I’ll be honest my best friend is my wife she knows me better than anyone in the world. I found out I am autistic two years ago so I have a hard time understanding social cues and understanding emotions I do prefer been alone but I do miss having a gaming buddy.
View on Reddit #19967112

Ok-Kitchen2768@reddit

I'm not even friends with my family and im forced to live with them. I still have no friends outside of that.
View on Reddit #19967103

I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit

I realised this a while ago. I spend most of my time with my gf, and most of the people I hang out with are her friends. I still talk to school friends, but we barely see each other in real life and even then it's just a superficial catch up. In terms of people (apart from my gf) that I'd be confident sharing my feelings with, maybe one.
View on Reddit #19967075

buy_me_a_pint@reddit

Few friends, mainly I classed these as contacts, . I have dyspraxia
View on Reddit #19966997

mad-un@reddit

How many cows have you got? I bet I've got more friends than you've got cows!
View on Reddit #19966908

cromulent82@reddit

Me. I have a close friend that I talk to about four/five times a year now, and a couple of friends who I talk to when they come to walk the dog once a week, maybe once a month. I'm 42 in a couple of weeks.
View on Reddit #19966844

Terrible_Biscotti_14@reddit

I’m 38 and I have friends but none I see. Mostly because they‘re friends I’ve made online via parenting forums many years ago but none are local, two I speak with most days on a messenger group chat. I have work colleagues that I occasionally go out with. I‘d love a friend that I could go out shopping with or meet for coffee/wine etc but if I’m not working, I’m with the kids and any rare free time I’d like to spend not speaking to anyone lol. Doesn’t help I’m awkward af and struggle in social situations unless I know the people well.
View on Reddit #19966842

sphericalcreature@reddit

For a long time i had the opposite problem where no one in my family liked me and i was bullied at work, but had loads of friends outside of work / the family... Now im sort of friends with everyone :') (family and i partially in contact now which is nice, got a new job with awesome small team!) It's hard to put yourself out there as an adult , most of my friends are through hobbies i have and aren't local (thought i started attending local events and made some local friends) it's hard but don't be afraid to put yourself out there! but also theres nothing wrong with your friends being your colleagues, isn't that basically what a lot of school friendships are anyway ? and your family are so important, never feel like a loser for loving your family and them loving you as that's priceless <3
View on Reddit #19966815

Tattoosrpermenant@reddit

I don’t even have friends within my family lol
View on Reddit #19966809

angienortheyauthor@reddit

Don't worry, reading through the comments, you're not the only one by far. The lockdown didn't help, did it, with no going out for 2-odd years, and staying at home and being glued to social media seems to be the way now. If you're happy then that's all that matters. All the best, and stay safe!
View on Reddit #19966500

hlfsharkaligtorhlfmn@reddit

I'm a virgin lonely cat man! I have a handful of good friends. The rest got culled along time ago
View on Reddit #19966490

JumpinJackFlashlight@reddit

Friends were outlawed in 2016 and remain verboten.
View on Reddit #19966479

Zanki@reddit

I have no family but I have a lot of friends and my boyfriend. My relatives sucked.
View on Reddit #19966455

monkeymidd@reddit

Ahh bless you , I have a group of 6 of us , my best friend I zoom with a minimum of 3 times and see once a week , we make sure we all go out once a month as a group
View on Reddit #19966444

Mackerel_Skies@reddit

I am a one man wolf pack. I occasionally visit my wife's room.
View on Reddit #19966414

dianthuspetals@reddit

I have my bf who is my best friend. Aside from that, I have no friends 'irl' aside from my family. I get along with work colleagues but would never say they are my friends. I do have a couple of online friends but that's about it. I drifted apart from my friends from school years ago when I realised we had very little in common and I liked them very little as people. The only thing we had in common was a shared past.
View on Reddit #19966344

Hopelessly-trying@reddit

23 m, all my friends live down south, I have 5 of them. Will be seeing them for the first time in 7 years this coming week :)
View on Reddit #19966278

quat1e@reddit

👋
View on Reddit #19966211

Content-Series-9960@reddit

All my old friends moved away or lost touch or died. Now I have zero friends and I hate it. I miss the jokes, the banter, the games or a catch up for a pint. I'm really lost without them sadly.
View on Reddit #19966103

YchYFi@reddit

I'm 35. I have no friends like I used to outside my family. I do have friends when I go to the pub though.
View on Reddit #19965892

Dull_Reindeer1223@reddit

I have what I call 'friends', as in we are friends in so far as we see each other from time to time but I don't feel particularly close to any of them
View on Reddit #19965598

Elster-@reddit

I used to have a great social circle for most of my life. Now I’m married with kids it’s very much a going through the motions, sending memes and crap in WhatsApp groups rather than having someone you can chat anything to socially.
View on Reddit #19965533

marciorafaelop@reddit

Im 28. I have exactly six friends. No more, no less. All those six live abroad (Portugal and Luxembourg). We have been friends since I remember life. Other than them, only work colleagues and obviously, my wife and kids.
View on Reddit #19965495

mrkingkoala@reddit

I am pretty lucky I am still friends many years later with all the lads I lived with in last year of uni. Six of us in the house and then about 4 more who basically lived there. Where I live have a few school mates and then a bunch of lads I made friends with who go to the gym same time as me.
View on Reddit #19965439

Admirable_Buddy_972@reddit

36 M - I have my mum and my 2 younger brothers. Sadly no one else.
View on Reddit #19965251

carptrap1@reddit

There's a correlation between the time that you have been married and the number of friends you have. Only applies to blokes. It's an inversely proportional relationship.
View on Reddit #19964887

Carinwe_Lysa@reddit

I have 2-3 close friends who I've known since school days, and then another two people who I count as friends but we're not in constant contact. But I will say I spend more time with my close core family, having dinner/meals out & activities with them than I do with friends; lucky that I have cousins of similar ages, all with similar hobbies!
View on Reddit #19964734

Oriachim@reddit

I used to have lots of friends. Well, they were more drinking friends? And drug friends? But as I got older, and improved my job, I lost touch with majority of them. Some still message me at times. But it’s usually a, “fancy a pint tonight?” And almost never for a meal.
View on Reddit #19964589

Rowanx3@reddit

Its not that i don’t have many friends, not a lot of them live in my city so i don’t have many people to hang out with. I have some friends from my old job and then i made friends with people from my local pub. Its a bit weird to make friends at my current job because im the only woman and im quite girly and ‘woke’ whereas the men are very I guess trad men
View on Reddit #19962798