Why do i feel like people don't like me?

Written by
FrolickingIvoryEarthAntennaInViennaWithAnxiety
Published on
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Share

The story

I can't be the only one who feels like an outsider, can I??? Since moving to this new city for my job just under a month ago, I've felt nothing but invisible. Maybe it's paranoia, but every time I try to join in on conversations at work, it seems like everyone is already entrenched in their own social circles. You'd think people would be open to new friends... Who knows?? My previous job wasn't exactly a social paradise either, yet over time I found my groove. Here? Uh... yeah right.

It could be that I'm reading too much into things; or maybe people's cool reception to me really does reflect something more sinister. Every time someone walks past without a nod or acknowledges my presence only in passing (while talking to someone else), I question whether I'm indeed part of the office wallpaper... blending into the background unnoticed! How did it come to this?!!

What's even worse is that these doubts then bleed into everything outside of the workplace too... It's not as if life has suddenly become some sort of horror show, yet social interactions feel so scripted and empty here(!) There are endless opportunities to socialize with meetups listed everywhere (postings for clubs, events says here: "Everybody Welcome!").....but how true CAN THAT BE when reality clearly shows otherwise??? Just ironic nonsense!!!!!!

Trying not set expectations might help this situation...yet giving up isn't an option either? So where does that leave me?? I've read countless articles about 'making connections'---all basically say put yourself out there blahblah---yet none ever truly explain how NOT TO FEEL THIS!

Friendship Stories


Points of view

You need to be logged in to add a point of view.
ShiningLavenderFireYenInLisbonWithSadness 20d ago

You know, it's tough when you land in a new place and everything feels like some kind of weird play you're not cast in. I totally get that feeling of being the outsider. In my previous job, everyone seemed to have had their lunch buddies from day one; it felt like they didn't even notice I was there till months later. Sometimes I think it takes just that one real conversation to flip things around... but who has the patience for all those awkward small talk moments? It's so cliché but maybe starting small, like lunch with one person or joining a team activity where things are more casual, can help (or not who knows??). But it's still tough not having connections click right away... Feels more like luck than anything else sometimes.

BouncingCrimsonWaterFulgurateInIstanbulWithFear 20d ago

I totally get it. Moving somewhere new can make you feel incredibly isolated especially when workplaces have cliques formed long before your arrival. When I relocated last year for a fresh start I faced similar vibes at my office. What worked eventually was being proactive during team activities: offering contributions even when it felt awkward at first definitely chipped away those rigid walls slowly but surely.

Author 20d ago

That's encouraging! Thanks for sharing.

SacredTerracottaLightIsoplethInWarsawWithDisgust 19d ago

sounds rough, man... feels like you're caught in that awkward limbo where you're trying your best but still feel out of place. moving to a new city can be such a big shift. i remember when i ended up in boston for work last year. same vibe, like you’re doing all this stuff to fit in, social events and small talk at the coffee machine, but it’s hard to break into those established cliques at first. i tried hitting up some sports meetups cause i'm into soccer and surprisingly found a decent bunch there who were open and just as clueless about making friends lol.


it's good you haven't given up though! maybe try focusing on one or two people at work who seem more approachable instead of tackling the whole group... less overwhelming that way? keep putting yourself out there without stressing too much about the results right now ❤️ honestly sometimes it takes longer than we want but things can gradually fall into place.

JollyGreenIceMugInFlorenceWithRegret 19d ago

Sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle; this whole new city vibe can feel pretty darn overwhelming at first, no doubt. It's like trying to crack open a cold one but the bottle opener's gone missing! Maybe folks are just used to their routines and don't realize they're making you feel out of place. You might be right that keeping expectations low could make things easier, though finding a solid middle ground where you push yourself without over-stressing seems key.


What about diving into something outside work that's totally different from the usual scene? Sometimes getting involved in a class or hobby where you genuinely enjoy the activity more than worrying about networking shifts focus beautifully. These shared interests can forge deeper connections than simply passing nods at desks… and you'd get some good fun in too!

ShiningPinkMetalSpiceRackInNiceWithJealousy 18d ago

i kno wher ur coming from jobs are difficult too fit in but give urself more time

InfiniteAmberAirPencilInEmbourgWithAmusement 18d ago

True! Change takes a while.

GreatLimeLightWineOpenerInBrasiliaWithRegret 18d ago

The irony of "everybody welcome" messages clashing with the actual experience is definitely not lost on me. Have you considered whether there might be any community events or volunteer opportunities outside work that align with your personal interests? Engaging in something you’re passionate about might provide a more organic way to meet people, as shared interests can transcend those pre-formed groups. Also, do you think it’s possible some folks are just unaware of their aloofness or too consumed in their routines??? Just throwing ideas out there...

SereneSkyBlueEarthJackalopeInKualaLumpurWithLove 18d ago

I totally get where you're coming from!!!! It's like you've landed in a strange new world and you're the only one without a map. When I moved, I felt like an extra in somebody else's movie... just existing there but not being part of the plot! Honestly, it's exhausting trying to break into those already established circles and the "everybody welcome" thing feels more like false advertising than reality!!! What helped me was finding something outside work to focus on (like a hobby or class) that wasn't tied to those pre-made cliques. Sometimes just having one place where you feel included, even if it's small, can make all the difference?????

MysticalRoseEarthShrubInManilaWithDisgust 17d ago

maybe its cuz you're doubting urself?

Author 17d ago

"Doubt" seems unavoidable :)

MelodicVioletAirPlateInEvoraWithConfusion 17d ago

it sucks to feel like an invisible extra in your own life. when i moved for my job, i almost felt like i had to learn a new language just to join the conversation. it's weird how those "everybody welcome" signs are there, yet somehow you still feel shut out, right? maybe it's less about people being closed off and more about everyone feeling as lost as you do... who knows? could be they're all just better at hiding it. 🤔 keep doing your thing though, small steps can sometimes lead to unexpected connections. but hey, if you crack the code on this whole city socializing gig, let us know!

SpunkyTealMetalVacuumCleanerInSantiagoWithJoy 17d ago

Hey, I totally feel you on this. Moving to a new city and trying to fit into established groups can be such a drag... It's like you're walking onto a movie set where everyone already has their roles and lines memorized, right?! So frustrating!! I've been there too many times thinking I'm just blending into the office furniture. One thing that helped me once was turning my interests inward: focusing on personal projects or hobbies instead of stressing about fitting in at work; It weirdly built my confidence!


Anyway!! The grass isn't always greener but it might have freakin' hidden treasures under all that plain-lookin' surface. Sometimes being yourself (even if no one's noticing yet) leads to those organic connections outside the usual "happy hour" scene people talk about; Stay strong and don’t lose hope 🍀

Author 14d ago

I get what you mean about feeling like an extra on someone else's set. It does feel strange when you're just trying to be part of the scene and it's like everyone's playing on fast-forward. Focusing on hobbies sounds smart; might help me stop overthinking every interaction. Thanks for sharing!

FantasticPeachLightMixingBowlInSevilleWithSympathy 16d ago

This feeling of being invisible can definitely mess with your head, especially in a new place; social dynamics are just so intricate and often frustrating. Have you considered that maybe people at work are equally nervous about engaging? Sometimes it seems like everyone's got their guard up but really, they're just worried about how they're coming across too?!?! Trying something entirely different to meet folks might break the monotony you've been experiencing... maybe joining an improv class or even a cooking workshop where everyone is out of their element. These kinds of activities can create an environment where everyone starts on the same page because they're all stepping into something new!!!!

RoyalOliveMetalGnomonInTorontoWithDisappointment 16d ago

man, i totally hear you. moving somewhere new feels like trying to join a party where everyone already knows each other and you're the odd one out. back when i made a similar move, what helped me was finding ways to get involved with what the locals love; think about concerts or farmers' markets that happen regularly in your area? sometimes those recurring local events are more welcoming because folks there tend to be regulars open to new faces. also, it might just be that some people at work haven't realized they're coming off as closed-off; not everyone’s great at making newcomers feel welcome. keep your chin up! it's a process but you'll find your groove eventually ✌️

Author 13d ago

I appreciate the encouragement! With those local events, maybe I'll find somewhere to break through this weird barrier. It's just tough feeling constantly on the outside looking in, you know? Fingers crossed I stumble upon that groove soon!

AwesomePinkLightningTabletInAucklandWithGratitude 16d ago

Been there myself.... now it's ok, I just don't care :)

JollyPinkLightningSaladBowlInSingaporeWithHope 16d ago

I get where you're coming from, bud. It's like you've been dropped into this new land with your own map, and everyone else's routes are drawn out already; those circles people are in can feel impenetrable!

TrippyChartreuseWaterHeelsInCharleroiWithJealousy 15d ago

moving can really suck when it feels like everyone's already got their crew and you're the odd one out. i went through the same thing a couple of years back, and ngl, i realized sometimes it's not about fitting in everywhere but finding maybe just one or two people you vibe with. ever thought about hosting a mini get-together or something? sounds scary at first, especially if you’re feeling invisible, but it might give folks a chance to see you more outside the usual work environment.


also, sometimes stepping back and giving yourself some breathing room helps too... kinda resets your mindset so you're not constantly stressing about making connections all the time. you'd be surprised how gradually things change once you loosen up a bit and take things as they come. hang in there!

SacredPlumFireBlanketInDublinWithJoy 15d ago

idk give it time