Is it normal to feel like i don't have friends at my age?
I'm 28 and I feel like I have no real friends, or a social group of friends to hang out with. Do I sound juvenile already? Over the past two years I've been trying to find friends, especially after my best friend moved up to the area.
I'll be honest with you, a part of me doesn't miss him (we've sort of grown apart), but I miss the close friendship we had. Since finding two groups of friends, I finally found one where I thought I was "in". But I'm wrong. It seems these friendships are based on proximity of location - they all live within 5 miles of each other. I, on the other hand, live on the other side of town. I figured, since we've been hanging out, that distance wouldn't be a factor. A friendship is a friendship, no matter the distance. However, a friend did once say that I'd be invited to more things if I lived in close distance to them. As it goes, however, this close group of friends - knowing I exist - do things exclusively. Note: when I'm around, they are nice to me. Not in a charitable kind of way, either.
Recently, I've also joined a dodgeball team, and while we remain a close team, I still feel a bit left out. I joined to make new friends, and even find that close friend who you trust giving ammo to, but no one seems to reciprocate. I get that I'm quiet, and I usually try to start the conversation with small talk, but it doesn't seem to work in my favor. I know I'm not weird. And I try my best to be in a conversation, but even then, I feel like I have to talk over people in order to let them know I exist - not in a rude way, mind you.
Is there anyone else out there that feels as if this were high school all over again? A few more deets: I'm in L.A. and these guys I'm trying to get close with live in West Hollywood, though they don't fit the stereotype. They're a cool group of guys and as nice as can be.
I can't help, but also think that maybe I'm just meant to be an independent spirit, free of social circles. I'm just set against it. I like people, but I'm tired of going from one circle of friends to another.
Need advice... or a therapist.