this post was submitted on 14 May 2025
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i'm middle aged and everyone assumes i'm lonely and depressed, but really i'm just not interested in being around people
i have noticed that a lot of people of all ages complain about being "lonely" no matter how much socializing they do. i think there's this expectation that everyone will connect with everyone and all you need to do to not be lonely is be around someone. because that's what we look at all day every day on social media and tv and movies---bffs always together always doing adventures and having fun, while we sit here surrounded by annoying people. you've been hoodwinked. meaningful friendships take a long time. years, even. regardless of what you see on your insta feed
Thriving on solitude is a learned skill. It takes most people time to get used to. Some never do and desperately jump between relationships. This is just my personal observations.
I agree, I'm middle aged too and fine like this, enjoy spending time with my partner, our dog, nature, birds watching, etc.