Anyone else sad they didn’t make solid friendships during maternity leave?
First few weeks we had a lovely NCT chat which died off after one of the mums had a falling out with another.
The other 2 became close friends as one the other gave them both and babies a lift to groups because she had a spare isofix base (my lift offers didn’t get accepted even though I’m confident with seatbelt set up for baby car seats).
We would arrange regular meet ups but I just ended up getting lost as a third wheel as I was so behind on what was going on in their lives while they got to catch up a lot.
I couldn’t always attend the same classes as them as I was either having therapy for a bereavement or nap times didn’t align.
I had tried so hard at other groups independently but friendships are either so established they don’t really have enough interest beyond small talk or the really nice mums who I could have potentially bonded with have had babies at different stages and they age up and move to another group and I don’t see them enough to exchange numbers without it seeming a bit random/odd.
The NCT pair are involving other mums in their social plans and I’m out of the loop again. I feel the minimal contact they give is based on pity because of the nature of bereavement I suffered while pregnant (3 days before NCT) and beyond that they just don’t see a long term friend.
*I suppose I’m not asking for advice, just solidarity that other people have had this experience?*
I get so upset as someone who is really craving friendship in a new area (since 2024, no other friends here) in a super vulnerable time as a new mum while grieving my dear dad.
I don’t struggle to get on with anyone, I know I’m really friendly and caring, so I am just so miserable I’ve ended up with no mates (apart from my little baby obviously ❤️)