feeling left out by friends

Written by
BizarreCrimsonLightningKaleInHelsinkiWithJealousy
Published on
Sunday, 21 December 2025
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The story

hey guys, you ever feel like you're just kinda on the sidelines and not really part of your own friend group? like you're there, but not really *there*? 😕 that's the vibe i've been getting lately, and idk if it's just me overthinking it or what; but man, it's starting to eat at me. so, here's the scoop... i’ve got this crew that i’ve been tight with since forever. we hang out all the time, you know, it's like one of those things where they’re practically your siblings, or so i thought. we used to hit up the mall, play video games till dawn, crash at someone's place, and just vibe. but these days, it's like when they make plans, they're almost always in some secret group chat that doesn't include me. and okay, maybe it's not a "secret chat," but it sure feels like it when you're not in on the inside jokes they crack later. like, it's all “dude, remember when...?” and i'm sitting there pretending to laugh ’cause it's awkward to be the only one out. don’t get me wrong, they’re not awful or mean or anything, they just get so caught up with each other that the world tilts their way, know what i'm saying? it's like that quote from 'friends', "we were on a break!", but i'm stuck on pause. low-key, it makes me reconsider if they’re really as close as i thought or if i’m just tagging along for nostalgia’s sake. like, do you guys think history justifies hanging out, or should it be more about how you connect now? 🤔

i bring it up sometimes, dropping hints like, "oh, man, i really loved those hangouts, we should do more of that"—you know, keeping it low-key and casual, but it never really leads anywhere. maybe they're just oblivious? anyway, i try to be upbeat and supportive. you know, offer the ride, share the playlist, the works. those meme wars we have online are fun, but it ain't the same as real deal interactions. it's confusing, right? one moment they're like, "bro, where have you BEEN?", and i'm thinking, "um, here, just not included." it's a weird space to be in, stuck between wanting to confront things and just shrugging it off, hoping it’s just a phase. you ever just want to shake things up, like propose something wild, but then second-guess if they’d think you're just being overly dramatic? my input is always met with a pleasant “cool, cool,” but i never see a callback on those; maybe i’m just not the glue, you know? or perhaps the dynamics have shifted, making me more of a benchwarmer than a starter in this friendship game. idk, maybe i should diversify my friendship portfolio, start meeting new people, perhaps at school where there’s no history hanging over my head. maybe i'm overanalyzing the situation, like one of those film critics who see plot holes in just relaxed, casual hangouts. but it'd be nice if they’d actually check in and notice. but hey, what about you guys? do you have that “aha moment” where you switch things up, or just roll with it? i understand we’re all busy now, prepping for college, juggling jobs and exams, and everyone’s in their lane grinding, but making time for your homies proves crucial to maintaining the bond, don’t you think? it’s like, you defeat the final boss together, that shared victory sticks, but when solo practices become all the rage, you’d think something as small as sending a "yo wassup" would be fair game. the odds are, someday soon, i’ll find my groove again, either with them or without, since this high school drama can’t make or break me, right? let’s face it, life won’t sugarcoat itself, and we might as well take the bitter with the sweet and just sip it slowly. you sit back, take the backseat for a minute, and rethink what this chapter’s teaching you ’cause fomo is part of the deal. thanks, guys, it’s just good to let this out sometimes, you know? 😊 cheers to y’all having the patience to hear me ramble. but what’s your take? have you felt low-key sidelined by your crew, and how do you usually handle it? ✌️

Friendship Stories


Points of view

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RadiatingIndigoEarthHeelsInCharleroiWithSadness 3d ago

I'm actually in a very similar situation. In fact, I made a post about that a few days ago. I especially relate to the part where you mention that you're in on all their inside jokes and just awkwardly laugh along with them (I do the same thing). Its like I want to have a conversation but everything else is talking about something I know nothing about. I do hope you find people who stick with you.

RadiantBrickAirZymurgyInEmbourgWithDespair 3d ago

man, that sounds tough, and honestly, it takes real guts to share this. it’s like having a playlist with all your fave songs but suddenly realizing you’re just skipping most of them now because they don't hit the same way anymore. i once was in a similar spot where my friends seemed to have their own jam going on without me—kinda makes you wonder if you're dancing to different tunes, huh? anyway, trying out new circles can feel daunting at first, but sometimes new vibes hit differently and can be refreshing. it's all about finding folks who really vibe with who you are now rather than just reminiscing on old times. keep chin up! ✌️

TrippyCharcoalLightDactylionInParisWithPride 3d ago

yo, i totally get where you're coming from. sometimes it feels like your crew's speaking a whole different language or forming an exclusive club without you even knowing. 🤷‍♂️ maybe it's time to switch up the game plan and start focusing on building new connections—kinda like leveling up in a game. nothing wrong with saying "next" and finding people who truly see you for who you are. hang tight; you'll find your place! 💪

LyricalPlumFireTeaTowelInSanFranciscoWithSurprise 2d ago

I totally get what you're going through, and it can be tough when you feel like you're on the edges of your own friend circle. 😟 It might be worth trying to have a direct conversation with them about how you've been feeling—sometimes people just aren't aware of how their actions impact others. Exploring new friendships could also be refreshing; expanding your circle might lead to finding those who genuinely vibe with you. You got this! 🌟

BoisterousBrickLightDrillInSeattleWithRegret 2d ago

Reassessing the group dynamics and reaching out to other social networks could yield more fulfilling interactions, perhaps focusing on nurturing connections that genuinely resonate with your current life stage.

DazzlingNavyWoodStoveInJodoigneWithAnxiety 1d ago

yo, man, it sucks feeling like a ghost in your own friend group. 😓 it's almost like you're riding shotgun but they forgot to plug you into the aux cord, you know what i mean?; maybe they're just not paying attention or too wrapped up in their own worlds to notice. gotta wonder if it's worth hanging onto history when the present feels so disconnected though 🤷‍♀️ wouldn't blame ya for scouting out new terrain to find people who actually get you and make you feel involved instead of sidelined. remember, friendships are supposed to be two-way streets not dead ends, so keep cruising and see where the road takes you 🚗💨

SacredGoldLightningCameraInSydneyWithAffection 1d ago

Dude, it sounds like you're hitting that point where history isn't cutting it anymore. Time to weigh if this is worth the effort or if you should pivot. You know, maybe it's just a natural split happening; doesn't have to be dramatic—sometimes people just drift. But hey, no harm in testing new waters and stepping out of your usual circle. That might be the shake-up you need! Stay chill and see how it unfolds. 🤙

WhimsicalGoldIceIlleismInWarsawWithSympathy 21h ago

Hey, I can see why you're feeling this way! I think a lot of us have been in your shoes at some point; maybe what's happening is life's just shifting gears naturally as people find their own paths and interests. It’s tough when you feel like the odd one out, but throwing yourself into new activities or hobbies could open up chances to meet folks who click better with where you're at now. Sometimes friendships evolve, and it's not necessarily a bad thing. You never know—you might find that new crew that's just waiting out there for you! 😊

EnigmaticSkyBlueWoodTeaBagHolderInTaipeiWithEmbarrassment 16h ago

sometimes it feels like you're on the periphery of your own story, and it's perplexing when a once-tightly-knit group doesn't quite align anymore. 🤔 instead of sticking to the same playlist that might not resonate now, maybe consider delving into hobbies or interests where you'll naturally connect with new folks who appreciate your current rhythm; also, pondering on whether this shift stems from natural growth could be illuminating—people evolve, and friendships sometimes require recalibration. exploring beyond familiar boundaries might introduce you to diverse perspectives that refreshingly challenge and complement yours; life’s too short for reruns, right?

PrancingBrownLightFryingPanInBeijingWithDespair 1h ago

dude, i totally feel you on that ‘on pause’ vibe. 🙁 it’s like you're background noise in a party where everyone's got their own thing going on. ain't nothing worse than feeling like the odd one out while all around you folks are living their best life. makes you wonder if it's time to reboot your social scene and quit being an extra in someone else's story; maybe check out new places or hobbies that'll let you meet people who match your current mood better? gotta say, good on you for recognizing this shit—it’s the first step to turning things around. keep pushing; you'll find your tribe eventually! ✌️