I moved to New York at 23. I'm now 25. I have two friends in this city, both from before I moved here. I see each of them maybe once a month but that's it. I have a roommate but our personalities just don't really match.
I'm introverted, but I've really tried being proactive and making plans. But everyone seems like they already have their own friends and it's hard to break in, and I get that.
I've tried run clubs, rock climbing, Volo, meetups, movie clubs but something always broke down. People flaked, a friend moved away, wrong crowd, wrong activity. Eight attempts over two and a half years and nothing has stuck.
I have a good job, one where I'm social and talking to people all day. I'm active, I go out when I can. On paper my life looks fine. But I have nobody to just call up and hang out with. No group. No people. And it hurts to see people just walking around with friends on a Friday night.
I'm starting to think I just missed the window. That friend groups form in your early twenties and if you didn't land in the right job or apartment or city at the right time, you're just behind permanently.
I want to hear from people who were actually in this position. Did it get better? Did you find your people? Or is this just what adult life looks like and I need to accept it? I'm someone who grinds, so if it means more attempts I'll do it. I'm just starting to lose hope.