u/NoProfessional6725

I've been feeling pretty emotionally drained lately after being ghosted by a few people and struggling to make friends. In a bit of a panic, I downloaded a few paid social apps designed to help people make friends and signed up for four different events. Altogether it cost me around $60.

At the time, it felt like the perfect solution. I thought if I just threw myself into meeting lots of new people, I'd feel less lonely.

Then I had therapy.

Talking everything through made me realise I'd completely overcommitted. The thought of going to a different social event every week for the next month suddenly felt overwhelming instead of exciting. I also realised that I'm probably just not someone who enjoys large social meetups. I seem to value slower, more natural, one-on-one or small-group connections, and I'd been trying to force myself into something that doesn't really suit me.

So I cancelled all four.

None of the events were refundable, so I'm out about $60, and I've really been beating myself up over it. It feels like another ADHD tax. I made a decision while I was emotionally overwhelmed and desperate to "fix" my loneliness, only to realise later that I'd acted impulsively without thinking about what I'd actually enjoy.

I'm trying to see it as a lesson rather than just wasted money, but it's hard not to feel guilty.

I don't really know why I'm writing this. Maybe because I'm feeling the weight of it today and wondering if anyone else can relate.

I grew up in a very abusive household with my Asian (Korean) parents. There was constant control, criticism, emotional abuse, and an environment where I never felt safe or accepted. I spent years believing I was the problem because that's what I was told over and over again.

As an adult, I realized the only way I was ever going to heal was to leave. So I did. I literally moved to another country.

I'm now married, have built a life of my own, and I'm completely no contact with my parents. People often say, "But they're still your family," or "You'll regret it one day." What they don't understand is that no contact wasn't an impulsive decision. It came after years of trying, hoping things would change, and realizing they never would.

It's strange grieving people who are still alive. I envy people who can call their parents when something good happens or who look forward to visiting home for the holidays. I don't have that, and I never really did.

Going no contact gave me peace, but it also came with a lot of loneliness and guilt that I'm still working through.

I'm having a hard time shaking this one.

An acquaintance I really liked and wanted to get to know asked if I'd like to grab a coffee sometime. I was genuinely excited and replied asking when and where.

...and then nothing.

Eight months passed, so I sent one polite follow-up email in case life had simply gotten in the way. Still no response.

I won't be reaching out again, and I completely understand that nobody owes me a friendship. It just really hurts because she was the one who suggested meeting in the first place.

I've been struggling to make friends for a while, so this has hit me harder than it probably should. I guess I'm just feeling a bit discouraged and wondering if anyone else has been through something similar.

Hi everyone!

I'm a 30F originally from California, now living in Cambridge. I've been in the UK for a while, and while I love it here, the homesickness has been hitting a bit harder lately.

So... here I am, outsourcing my social life to Reddit.

I'm happily married, so I'm only looking for platonic friends. Bonus points if you're also American and understand the occasional craving for decent Mexican food and the instinct to say "have a nice day" to absolutely everyone.

A bit about me: I work in tech, I'm neurodivergent, and I enjoy gigs, museums, cooking, cafés, reading non-fiction, and generally saying "yes" to interesting events. I have been told I'm a really nice person by many people 😊 I live in Cambridge but I'm in London pretty regularly for concerts, exhibitions, and other random adventures, so I'd be happy to meet up there too.

If you're also looking to expand your friend group, miss home, or simply want someone to grab a coffee with and complain about the price of ranch dressing in the UK, send me a message. My social circle could definitely use some expansion. 🇺🇸☕