I’ve been in this small town for almost ten years now, I'm 28 and I still haven’t made a single friend. Not one. I don’t get noticed, approached, included, or invited anywhere. I’ve tried everything people normally recommend — pubs, DJ nights, social events, community stuff, going out every weekend, trying to talk to people — nothing ever changes.
It’s like the social circles here are locked from the inside. Everyone knows everyone from school, and if you weren’t part of that, you’re just… outside. No matter what you do.
I’m not trying to complain. I’m just genuinely confused. I take care of myself, I’m respectful, I’m not weird or rude, I try to be friendly — but it’s like I’m invisible.
The closest thing I’ve had to “hanging out” with someone in years was a brief interaction recently, and honestly it just made me realise how long it’s been since I’ve had any real human connection here. It wasn’t a friendship, it wasn’t ongoing — just a reminder of how isolated I’ve been.
I guess I’m asking:
Is this normal? Has anyone else moved to a small town and felt completely shut out for years? How do people actually make friends in places like this?