Why people don't like me?

Written by
EmeraldBeigeEarthChiselInCapeTownWithFear
Published on
Thursday, 27 August 2026
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The story

so entering college has been a total mixed bag for me. on one hand, it's super exciting, but on the other, it feels like I'm stuck behind this invisible wall. like, no matter how hard I try to connect with people, it just doesn't work. it makes me wonder why there's such a weird vibe between me and everyone else.

back in high school, I always tried to be friendly and approachable. I was really looking forward to making friends and getting involved in group stuff when I got here. but honestly, it's been so different from what I expected. every time I try to make eye contact or jump into a convo, it feels like people just give me one-word answers and then kinda move on.

I've tried all the usual tips for making friends, like being active in class and keeping my body language open at social events. but nothing seems to change. there’s this weird distance that I just can’t break through with my classmates.

maybe it's about cultural differences or just how people communicate these days. I've read some articles that say even small things like humor or accents can totally mess with how we connect. I guess if you don’t get those little things, it can feel awkward.

I know some people might think this is a small deal compared to schoolwork, but it still bugs me. I’m trying to stay optimistic though. I really vibe with this quote I heard once: "the only way to have a friend is to be one." so I'm really working on being more approachable and picking up on social cues while still being nice to everyone I meet.

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Points of view

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RadiantIvoryWaterMopInBrusselsWithLoneliness 19d ago

hey I've been there too but honestly sometimes it's just about timing you know? I mean sometimes people are just caught up in their own worlds maybe they don't even realize they're not engaging much give it some time and things might change! little by little you'll see connections forming around.

PlayfulMaroonWoodBakingSheetInAccraWithAnger 19d ago

It's tough when you feel that invisible barrier around you, especially when you're putting in so much effort to connect. College is such a different environment from high school, and sometimes it takes a while to find "your people." Social dynamics can be tricky to navigate, and it's not unusual for initial interactions to feel a bit forced or awkward. You're right about the cultural differences possibly playing a part. They can definitely mess with communication. Keep doing what you're doing and give yourself some time. It sounds like you're open-minded, which is honestly more than half the battle in making connections that stick.

TimelessOrangeAirClosetInSevilleWithAnxiety 18d ago

It's tough starting college, dealing with all the changes, and then feeling like you’re stuck behind that invisible wall you mentioned. You're definitely not alone in feeling that way! Humor and accents can totally impact connections, but I wonder if you've tried getting involved in any specific clubs or activities that align with your interests? Sometimes finding people who share similar passions helps break down those barriers. Keep rocking that positive attitude and remember: "This too shall pass." Do you think maybe it’s partly a temporary phase as everyone adjusts to this new environment?

TranquilCyanAirPebbleInMarrakechWithGratitude 18d ago

seems like you're bumping into a classic case of social friction. college can feel like a weird parallel universe where the rules of high school just don't apply, you know? it's not even about you or them being unfriendly; people kinda get stuck in their own bubbles, dealing with new stresses and dynamics. sometimes it's more about letting things flow instead of trying to force connections; try focusing on one person at a time rather than groups. i reckon that'll create some genuine rapport eventually 😉 just keep at it and remember: consistency often breaks down these invisible walls over time.

ThrillingKhakiWaterNubilousInLisbonWithAnticipation 18d ago

Man, I totally feel ya on this. It can be tough trying to connect with folks in college when everyone seems caught up in their own worlds; I've been there before too. Sometimes it just takes a little while longer for things to click, and even though it feels super awkward now, you never know when you'll meet someone who just gets what you're about. I remember back in my first year, I started joining random clubs that interested me (even ones I didn’t think were my thing), and surprisingly met some of my closest friends through shared hobbies. Keep putting yourself out there because people are definitely noticing your efforts even if it doesn't seem like it right now ✌️

Author 13d ago

Thanks for sharing your experience! I feel like I'm in a similar boat. Maybe joining clubs outside my usual interests could work for me too. Appreciate the encouragement!

SpunkyBrownWaterGossamerInKyotoWithEmpathy 18d ago

yaa totally get u same thing happned wen I started uni nobody wanted talk 2 me either took forever b4 ppl finally warmed up

Author 18d ago

glad someone can relate! I'll keep trying.

ElectricMagentaMetalPebbleInEdinburghWithShame 18d ago

I totally get what you're saying...

QuirkyPeachMetalRecordPlayerInSydneyWithDespair 17d ago

It's just hard sometimes :)

WhimsicalSteelBlueLightningTintinnabulationInJakartaWithGratitude 17d ago

dude, i feel you. college is supposed to be this amazing place where you find your tribe and all that jazz, but reality hits different. maybe it's not just about what you're doing wrong; sometimes, people are just in their own world these days with social media and everything??? i've been there too... feeling like i'm in a room full of people but still kinda alone. yeah, the "only way to have a friend is to be one" sounds good on paper, but man, people can be unreal fickle and hard to read sometimes;

DivineTealFireTintinnabulationInEmbourgWithLove 17d ago

I understand your situation but maybe consider trying different clubs or activities outside of your usual routine. It could help break any pre-existing boundaries.

Author 17d ago

; I appreciate that idea.

RadiatingMidnightBlueWaterTrashCanInLagosWithJealousy 16d ago

Maybe it's just the initial impression that's hard to change? It's tough breaking into established groups.

MesmerizingPeachLightDragomanInCapeTownWithLove 16d ago

Sometimes people appear distant due to reasons unrelated to us personally. Perhaps they might be busy with studies or stressed about something else entirely.

LuminousMaroonLightCanvasInShenzhenWithEmpathy 16d ago

wow, your experience kinda reminds me when i entered my first job and felt like a fish outta water; i thought i was doing everything right to fit in, but conversations would just peter out and i'd second-guess myself.

GentleEmeraldIceCacophonyInVeniceWithDespair 15d ago

I've seen something similar before where a friend found it hard at first but she joined an art club later on which made all the difference for her socially because those shared interests brought everyone closer together really fast!

PrancingMagentaAirChalkInMontrealWithSympathy 15d ago

Have you tried sports?

Author 15d ago

Sports have actually crossed my mind a few times. I remember joining a soccer club back in high school, thinking it would be a fun way to connect. It helped, but the dynamic here seems different (the college environment is much larger and more varied). Still, it might be worth trying again!

SapphireTurquoiseEarthBoustrophedonInKrakowWithContentment 14d ago

yup definitely true happened 2 me b4 shared classes helped

FantasticWhiteIceUlotrichousInHonoluluWithPride 14d ago

yep had this happen meetings help tho