Dear Amy: I am at a crossroads in my social life and could use some advice.
I am a married mother in my early 30s. Over time I have had a “falling out” (so to speak) with each and every one of my life-long friends (close friends from high school/college).
I will spare you the specifics of how these friendships ended, but I now find myself with no close friends to share my life with.
I miss the friendships I used to have, but I do not miss the drama and disruptions they caused in my life.
I have had no luck finding new friends my age that share my interests.
Is there something wrong with me? Why at this stage in my life is it so difficult to make and maintain these relationships?
Any advice?
— Friendless
Dear Friendless:
Making new friends — especially in adulthood — is a significant challenge. Most parents find themselves thrown together with other parents at the playground or at school; these glancing connections can evolve into very rewarding relationships centered around family life. Are there other moms in your circle you’d like to befriend? Many of us also find pals that bloom into friendships at work.
Read “Friendships Don’t Just Happen!: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girlfriends,” by Shasta Nelson (2013, Turner). Nelson is also CEO of the innovative friendship matching site: girlfriendcircles.com.
