Hi, I’m 19 and from Manchester. I’ve been struggling with my group of friends — I feel like they constantly make fun of me and don’t respect me. Whenever I try to stand up for myself, I get shut down. I’ll be talking, and they’ll just laugh at me, even when I haven’t said anything funny.
I’ve always been around people who are a bit rough, the smoking/fighting type, or wannabe roadmen. I don’t feel proud of it, but that’s my environment. I could try hanging out with other people, but I don’t click with them the same way — our hobbies don’t align, or their interests feel too “nerdy” for me.
I just want to have friends I can chill with without being disrespected, and I want to feel valued like I see others in their social circles. I’ve tried people-pleasing to gain their approval, but it doesn’t feel right.
Does anyone have advice on how to earn respect in a friend group while staying true to yourself?