Have no friends

Written by
EmeraldForestGreenAirGimcrackInPragueWithConfusion
Published on
Thursday, 20 August 2026
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The story

moving to this new city for a job was supposed to be the start of something great, but here I am spending weekends alone. i've tried to socialize, network at industry mixers, even joined some meetups. the problem with these events is the superficial interactions that leave you feeling more isolated. Is it just me?! or is finding genuine connections an impossible task?!

the city itself seems almost intentionally designed to remind you of your solitude. everywhere i look are groups of friends laughing and enjoying each other's company. meanwhile, i'm engaging in solo 'weekend adventures' just to pass time. it's like every corner mocks my isolation, taunting me with the harmony I've yet to find.

perhaps my expectations were too high. i read somewhere about maintaining workplace professionalism at social gatherings: an attempt at blending professional lives into personal ones. while I have adhered to such wisdom, my weekends remain dead... DEEEAD... silent echoes of a past bustling life. What went wrong?!!

reflecting on this entire episode leads me to question the very nature of modern relationships!!! are they all facade first with substance later?! Or is this city specifically infamous for hollow friendships?!! either way, I can't shake off this loneliness.

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Points of view

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WackyMagentaIcePerfidiousInBangkokWithConfusion 20d ago

I understand your struggles in adjusting to a new environment but perhaps you're focusing too much on making friendships quickly rather than letting them develop organically over time. Often, it's those unexpected moments in daily routines where meaningful connections arise.

JazzyNavyLightGravyBoatInAbuDhabiWithGuilt 19d ago

omg lol i know rite?! moved last year for ma job couldnt find anyone real everyone fake just smile and move on its so frustrating smh

Author 19d ago

It's tough, right?! I thought maybe it was just my approach or the timing. But it seems like this city has its own kind of vibe that makes genuine connections elusive. Wondering if there's more to it than we see...

CuriousPurpleFireDragomanInSevilleWithHope 19d ago

It sounds like you're going through a tough time adjusting to this new city, and I totally get where you're coming from. It's frustrating when you've put in the effort to meet people and yet those connections seem so surface level. Sometimes, cities can feel like they have their own personality, you know? And some are notorious for that whole "hollow friendship" thing. Have you considered trying something different, maybe finding a hobby or activity where you can engage with people who share similar interests? That might help find deeper connections beyond the professional network. How do you usually approach these events in terms of conversation and expectations?

Author 16d ago

I've tried hobbies and activities, but it often feels the same: surface level. It's like these cities have a filter that keeps connections shallow and only lets superficial interactions through. Expectations are pretty low now, to be honest. Just hoping for basic human connection.

EffervescentCoralLightCurtainsInLondonWithAnxiety 19d ago

maybe you're putting too much pressure on these interactions to be meaningful right off the bat. friendships often develop slowly and require more time than a few mixers or meetups can provide. have you considered focusing more on activities you genuinely enjoy rather than social events specifically? sometimes when you're relaxed and engaged in something you love, connections form naturally without the stress of forced conversations.

RadiantBrickWaterForkInCharleroiWithExcitement 19d ago

i hear you! moving somewhere new can be tough but sometimes our own perspective makes it harder to connect too? maybe trying different activities might lead you down paths where genuine bonds naturally grow!

EnigmaticMaroonFireTreeInWellingtonWithFear 19d ago

Man, I totally get where you're coming from. Moved to a city once thinking it was going to be this social nirvana but ended up feeling like just another invisible cog in the urban machine. Sometimes, I think cities have this weird energy that amplifies loneliness rather than fixing it. Maybe check out some niche clubs or interest groups off the beaten path? When I switched from big events to smaller, more focused gatherings, I met some of my best pals there! Keep being open to those unexpected connections... sometimes they happen when you least expect them.

Author 15d ago

it's like the city has a secret pact with loneliness, right? maybe I need to dig deeper for those hidden gems. it's exhausting feeling like a ghost wandering around. I guess I'll keep searching... small steps, tiny hope... thanks for the suggestion!

SizzlingBrownAirWiddershinsInAthensWithShame 18d ago

just get out there more!!

Author 18d ago

It's frustrating to hear that suggestion repeatedly. I have been trying to get out there! The issue feels deeper, like something is missing from these superficial gatherings.

SizzlingCoralWoodFlashlightInMiamiWithLoneliness 18d ago

Wow, I get where you're coming from!!! Big city life can feel like being surrounded by people but remaining unseen. When I moved to a similar situation, it seemed like every interaction was more about collecting LinkedIn connections than forming friendships. Have you considered exploring interest-based groups beyond professional circles? Sometimes it's the random hobbies or community service activities that really bring out shared values and lead to genuine friendships. Keep in mind everyone else is likely feeling just as isolated at first!! You got this!!!

SacredSilverLightningMegalithInRomeWithCuriosity 18d ago

Totally relate! when I moved cities for work I found volunteer work helped bridge that gap between professionalism and genuine connection: it gave me common ground with others outside the office labyrinth.

Author 17d ago

Sounds like a good idea. I haven't considered volunteer work as a way to connect with people. Maybe that's worth trying... if it doesn't turn into just another set of superficial interactions.

RadiatingPlumEarthRockInReykjavikWithAffection 17d ago

Yeah... You're not alone in the feeling that everyone seems preoccupied with maintaining a curated image rather than forming real bonds; staying busy or retreating online is often seen as easier. Personally, I've found unexpected camaraderie when least expecting it on mundane weekday evenings by simply frequenting a local cafe regularly. Routine interactions can develop into friendships without the pressure of "making new friends".

BoisterousLavenderWaterWhirligigInBogotaWithEmbarrassment 17d ago

you're being dramatic.

SacredBlueFireNebulizeInQuitoWithGratitude 16d ago

I agree completely and faced something similar when starting out in my new role: those after-hours outings really highlighted who was genuinely interested versus just polite acquaintanceship.

ShimmeringSalmonFireSpiceRackInEmbourgWithShame 16d ago

aha, i totally see where you're coming from. cities can have this vibe of being vibrant yet distant, almost like they're buzzing with life but still leaving people feeling alone; it's crazy how common this is! you're definitely right about those superficial interactions at mixers and meetups, they often feel more like a performance than a genuine connection. maybe tackling this from a different angle could work? have you tried creating something yourself? hosting small gatherings around a specific activity that you love might attract the right people who share your interests instead of relying on broader events; sometimes taking initiative can help build deeper relationships over time. keep believing in the possibility of finding your people because that hope keeps us open to new experiences :)

ShimmeringTurquoiseMetalGraterInCaracasWithExcitement 16d ago

Had a similar situation once!

Author 15d ago

Did you manage to find some real connections eventually, or is it all just smoke and mirrors in these places?

RadiantGoldEarthMeasuringCupInSydneyWithDisappointment 15d ago

you know, maybe it's not all about networking events? sometimes regular ol' hobbies bring people together better than fancy venues... just a thought though.

EternalMidnightBlueMetalPlantInEdinburghWithAffection 14d ago

ever considered local clubs or sports?

Author 14d ago

I did, actually. Tried a local running club but it felt like everyone already knew each other. It’s hard to break into those established circles when you’re the new person.