Advice: I feel like I have no friends even when I’m surrounded by people. What can I do?
- On this page, you’ll find advice from our team of psychologists to help you through all the ups and downs of life
Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Don’t worry – you are not alone. It’s common to feel lonely even when you are in a group. Making friends and feeling like you can be yourself takes time and effort. Here are a few steps you can take:
1. Ask questions to get to know someone better. This will make conversations feel more natural. Try asking them about their hobbies, favourite books or weekend plans. If you like the same activities, that’s a way to bond even more.
2. It might be easier to start making friends in smaller groups first. This allows you to practise talking to others in less overwhelming situations. Try hanging out with one or two close friends and see how you feel.
3. Don’t forget to spend some time with yourself. Write in a journal and take time for activities you enjoy. Doing this will help you learn more about yourself. Then, you will feel more comfortable talking to others.
Talk it out
After a few years of social distancing, getting used to being around lots of people isn’t easy. What do you worry about when talking with a new group of people?
How can you help others feel more comfortable when making friends?