u/Comfortable_Film_941

Realised recently that my problem isn't being around people. Once I'm actually out I have a great time. It's the initiating that kills me. Being the one who has to send the "hey want to do something?" message. It feels weirdly huge every time, like I'm imposing or I'll come across as the overly-keen one.

So loads of hangouts that would genuinely be fun just never happen, because nobody wants to be the initiator and I definitely don't volunteer.

Is this a universal introvert thing? For those who've gotten past it - what actually changed? Did you just force yourself, or did something click? Curious whether it's just me or if this is a really common block.

I have a group of about 6 close friends and I've realised we spend more time saying "we should hang out" than actually doing it. Someone floats an idea, everyone's instantly "yes let's do it!!", and then… nothing. Nobody picks a day, it quietly dies, and a few weeks later someone goes "we're so bad at this lol" and we start the whole cycle again.

What bothers me is we all genuinely want to see each other. It's not that anyone's flaky or doesn't care. There's just this weird dead zone between "we should" and an actual plan that exists, and that's where it all falls apart.

Is this just… everyone? Anyone got a friend group that's cracked it? Is there always one person who just forces it to happen? I feel like I'm missing something obvious.

I’ve been waitlisted for msc artificial intelligence and was wondering if there are any actionable steps I can take to increase my chances of making it off, or if I just have to wait in suspense.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)