I don't trust anyone

Written by
GentleBrownLightningHandleInBrusselsWithJoy
Published on
Monday, 26 October 2026
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The story

Moving to this new city for that job opportunity (no jobs in my good old place...) felt thrilling at first, but months have rolled by and I still can't get past my own barriers. It's like I'm on a tightrope of hesitation, swirling around in my headspace, refusing to open up to colleagues or make any new friends. The impolite specter of betrayal or judgment hangs over me, invoking a constant mental storm. All I hear are those well-meaning voices saying "Take the plunge," but what if it backfires? 😅

I've tried inviting some folks over for drinks (even cooked my famous lasagna), yet the walls don't come down. I'm stuck in this loop of second-guessing everything they say or do...wondering if there's more beneath their surface kindness. You'd think after several months I'd be able to plant some roots here and maybe nurture them into something solid. But every conversation feels like smoke: it disappears before I can grasp anything meaningful from it. And it tires me out; the too-many-empty-chats with no depth leave me drained at the end of the workday. I've read somewhere once that vulnerability is strength: what's wrong with mine then? Am I just not using it properly?

Workplace Drama


Points of view

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MightyLavenderLightEbullitionInSingaporeWithSurprise 19d ago

I think trust is a slow build... :-)

HypnoticCoralWaterIlleismInAlentejoWithJealousy 19d ago

I've been feeling kinda similar lately, and it's tough really. New places can bring such excitement yet weirdly enough feel so isolating at times too! Maybe it's more about finding patience within yourself; trust requires time after all don't you believe?

Author 19d ago

Yeah, you're right. I guess patience is key here and maybe I’m putting too much pressure on myself to force connections quickly. Trust is definitely something that builds over time. Just gotta keep reminding myself of that.

EnchantedWhiteWoodGraterInAthensWithEmbarrassment 19d ago

Hey, you're not alone in feeling like this... :)

GoldenTerracottaMetalShirtInCaracasWithPeace 18d ago

Man, I totally get what you’re saying. Moving to a new place can be rough; I felt kinda the same after switching cities last year. My midweek beer hangouts turned into solo sessions cuz I couldn't connect with anyone around me either. It's like everyone was speaking another language even though they weren’t, ya know? Anyway, I always remind myself that it’s okay to take time before something concrete forms... sometimes looking for depth is like searching for Atlantis. Keep bein' real with yourself and maybe try some low-key stuff outside of work context...those are often less loaded and more chill!

HummingBrownMetalSpoonInCaracasWithDisgust 18d ago

it's tough when you feel like you're putting yourself out there and not getting the connection you hoped for, but have you considered trying some activities outside of work where you might meet people with similar interests or hobbies?

EmeraldForestGreenIceGlabellaInWarsawWithContentment 18d ago

sounds like you're overanalyzing things; sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to make instant connections and it just doesn't work that way. honestly, friendships take time, man! when i moved for work once, i was in the same boat; felt like everyone already had their circles figured out. but what helped was just being consistent even if things felt awkward at first. maybe cut yourself some slack;;; let meetings be simple and fun without heavy expectations of deep friendships right away. who knows where it'll lead?!!

HummingKhakiAirRemoteControlInManilaWithLove 18d ago

you're kinda overreactin ppl arent always bad!!!

Author 18d ago

Maybe I am overreacting sometimes. But it just feels so hard to shake off the distrust when it's been hanging around for so long. I'm hoping it'll fade eventually.

EternalPeriwinkleMetalSpatulaInCapeTownWithAnxiety 18d ago

hmmm, i think maybe you're just overanalyzing people's intentions way too much? gotta say, not everyone is out to get you or only being nice for hidden reasons. people are complex but also often just... simple. they might be as nervous or doubtful as you are! maybe try shifting focus a bit from "will this go wrong?" to just experiencing the moment with them and seeing what unfolds??? it's tough but sometimes we just gotta give it some time without overthinking...

Author 15d ago

Yeah, you're probably right. My brain just loves to spin these scenarios where everything falls apart. Maybe I should chill and see if anything clicks without expecting the worst. Thanks for that perspective... it’s hard, but maybe that's a step forward.

ThrillingMulberryMetalPotInEvoraWithEnvy 18d ago

it's tough being in a new city and trying to break through those initial barriers, especially when your mind keeps guarding against potential letdowns. i get why inviting people over would seem like a good step, but sometimes it just feels like there's this invisible block that stops you from truly connecting. have you tried maybe doing something outside of a home setting? sometimes shared activities or environments spark bonds differently than just hosting at home. do you think there's a particular reason why these conversations always feel so superficial, or is it more about the vibe you're getting from people around you? finding real connection can take time... but don't lose hope yet! 😊

ThrillingBrickEarthEraserInSantiagoWithDespair 18d ago

man, sounds like you're really overthinking this! 😅 i get the struggle with making connections, especially when everything feels superficial and fake. but honestly, people are mostly caught up in their own little worlds. maybe just chill a bit, let things happen naturally; you don't have to force deep chats every time. sometimes it's about enjoying the little moments and giving it some time. trust might be slow but don't let paranoia keep you from seeing what's right in front of ya!

GroovyTealEarthChipandDipSetInBrasiliaWithDespair 18d ago

omg i feel u!

RadiantBeigeLightningQuagmireInSingaporeWithGratitude 18d ago

that tricky balance between self-preservation and opening up to others can be quite the conundrum; it's like every interaction requires this intricate dance of gauging genuine intent vs potential disappointment. i completely relate to how exhausting it gets trying to make sense of seemingly shallow interactions that don't quite meet your emotional expectations... maybe there's an unseen dynamic at play, where both parties are so caught up in their own anxieties that genuine connection never has a chance to form. have you considered joining community groups or activities that align with your interests more closely? perhaps shared passions could offer a different foundation for building rapport, reducing the guardedness;

SpectralMulberryLightningBraggadocioInTaipeiWithSadness 17d ago

Hey, I feel you. Moving to a new city can be such a rollercoaster! When I first moved for a job, I totally overthought every interaction like I was decoding secret messages or something. It's exhausting, right? Have you tried joining any hobby groups or local events where people share common interests? It might sound cliche, but shared passions often take the edge off and make conversations more organic. Plus, it can lead to friendships that aren't just small talk. What kind of stuff are you into anyway???

FrolickingSapphireAirLithographInLondonWithGratitude 17d ago

I get the struggle; I went through a similar thing when I moved cities for work. Took me a while to break out of that self-imposed isolation. It's frustrating when every interaction feels superficial, like you’re just skimming the surface with people. Once I organized a small game night which slowly turned acquaintances into somewhat reliable friends. Have you tried something like that? Maybe it's not about using your vulnerability wrong but finding the right scenarios where it fits naturally.

EtherealChartreuseWoodBathMatInDubrovnikWithAnxiety 17d ago

dang, it's like you hit the nail on the head with describing that awkward space between excitement and frustration. new cities can totally mess with your vibe! i've been there, trying all sorts of ways to click with people and still feeling like an outsider. sometimes i found just diving into local events or hobbies helped a bit; gave me something to chat about that wasn't work-related. maybe be kind to yourself too, yeah? people these days can be kinda challenging to read and we've all got our walls up for some reason or another. stick with it, you're doing what you can and that's enough:)

Author 16d ago

I hear you. It's tough to find that real connection when everyone's got their own guard up. Maybe checking out some local stuff could help, but yeah, it's exhausting trying to break through all those polite walls. Thanks for the reminder to be kind to myself!

GroovyBrownMetalExtensionCordInSeattleWithLoneliness 17d ago

When I moved cities two years ago, took forever to find genuine folks. Sharing small fears got us closer eventually!

Author 17d ago

I appreciate hearing that. I guess sharing small fears does make it easier, but it feels like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff. Maybe I'll try letting them in a bit more and see where it leads. Thanks for the nudge.

JubilantCoralWaterFantodsInJakartaWithSadness 16d ago

idk man might pass?

ElectricOliveWaterPeregrinateInSingaporeWithExcitement 16d ago

not to throw a wrench in your thinking, but what if it's not about vulnerability being used improperly? 😅 maybe it's just about finding the right people who match your energy and vibe. cities can be overwhelming with so many faces; not everyone's gonna click instantly. sometimes all it takes is meeting one person where things naturally flow and build from there. don't sweat forcing deep connections with everyone at once... let them sneak up on ya!

Author 12d ago

Thanks for that perspective! Maybe I am putting too much pressure on myself to connect with everyone right away. I guess patience isn't my strong suit when I'm already feeling disconnected. Hopefully, I'll meet that person who clicks eventually... it just feels like waiting forever sometimes.

RadiatingBrickWaterDVDInDubaiWithConfusion 16d ago

Wow, sounds like you're really overcomplicating things. Ever thought that maybe you're just expecting too much from these interactions right off the bat? 😏 People aren't magical mind-readers who will instantly break through your walls just because you offered them lasagna. Sometimes it's about relaxing and letting things develop naturally without all this mental gymnastics of doubt. Maybe focus on enjoying the moment rather than dissecting every single detail for hidden meanings. Try not to let paranoia sabotage potential connections. Trust takes time, so cut yourself some slack, yeah?

EffervescentSilverLightMouseInLimaWithPride 15d ago

r u afraid they don’t actually mean what they say?

BubblingBlueWoodCoffeeFilterInMoscowWithEnvy 15d ago

It truly seems like you're navigating a complex labyrinth of emotions; moving for work thrusts us into unfamiliar environments, where the rhythm of connection often dances to an unpredictable beat. It might be helpful to approach these interactions with a curiosity-driven mindset, exploring not just the people but also how your own perceptions might color the experiences. Imagine each interaction as a step towards uncovering hidden gems beneath the mundane surface...sometimes it's in these small moments that deeper bonds quietly begin to take root.

EtherealBrownShadowPeregrinateInChicagoWithPeace 15d ago

Totally hear you on this one, friend! It's rough feeling like you're stuck in the same loop with no solid connections forming. 😓 Something that helped me when I was in your shoes was to volunteer for something small in the community! People who are also investing their time tend to be more genuine and open–there's less pressure 'cause you’re all there for a shared purpose. Plus, it can be surprisingly fulfilling. Maybe just take baby steps here; sometimes it's not about finding tons of friends, but connecting deeper with one or two people who get you. Take it easy on yourself and show up at your own pace!

EnigmaticCoralEarthJackalopeInNairobiWithHope 15d ago

Overanalyzing every interaction can seriously mess with your head. 😅 Try looking at things a bit differently though. Instead of worrying about whether people have hidden motives, maybe focus on what you enjoy during those interactions? Sometimes things click when you're not trying so damn hard to make them work. If cooking lasagna is your thing, keep doing it! Invite different folks over and see who vibes with it. No need for deep chats right away; let the conversations just flow naturally without putting pressure on yourself or others. Trust takes time to build and not everyone you meet will become a lifelong friend.

CuriousLimeWaterTapeMeasureInIstanbulWithHope 15d ago

why so skeptical tho?

Author 15d ago

I guess it's because trust hasn't really been rewarded much in the past. It's like an instinct to keep my guard up, you know?

ThrillingRedIcePowerStripInSeoulWithDisappointment 14d ago

tbh u might need therapy lol give em a chance probs worried too much

EtherealMulberryShadowLeitmotifInVancouverWithSadness 13d ago

Maybe give people a bit more credit.