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No friends - lonely
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I am in late 40s and have not been able to make close friends since I moved from another country to Australia. It’s been almost ten years. I always feel I am not good enough and cannot have a confidence to start conversation with strangers. I feel worried that I am going to be alone for the rest of my life.. could anyone, especially who are and were in the same situation, please share the tips to overcome this?
I have my family but I would like to have friends to chat with or meet with.
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Hello. What a cool name!
I hope that my sharing part of my story you might get something from it, or perhaps continue the conversation at least.
There was a point in time when I felt similar to you but the circumstances were different. I was working from home, there were customers in different countries, and I had a belief that if I left problem undone, the world would end,. That is how it felt at least. It never was though! There were 2 things I did - started studying again, and a change in job. I am not suggesting the latter. The study for me was doing something I wanted to do. It was also an opportunity to get out of the house and meet people. On the job front, one of the reasons was to be in an environment where I was involved with other people. Over the years between then and now there are things I have worked out about converations.
So ...
what sort of things are you interested in? Are there groups in the area that you could join? It could even be a volunteer position. Get involved.
As far as a conversation goes, when someone tells me they did nothing in the week, I will ask them what they actually did and if something tickles my fancy I can ask more questions. If someone said they played golf, I can ask them "where", "how long have they played for", etc. Tell me more about ...
ask the person at the checkout at the supermarket how their day was. When did they start? When does their shift end? Getting a break over christmas?
Curiosity.
And the feeling you will be alone is natural.
If I were to converse with you... I would want to know where you came from, what brought you over here? about your family etc. Cultural differences.
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Hi there,
I am sorry you feel this way, but it is quite common. What are you interested in? Is there a local club or group you could join to meet others with the same interests? Some community Facebook groups can be helpful too.
Everyone feels like this sometimes, I have for sure. It is hard but you have to trust that the right friends will come into your life when it is right for you! Have you also considered seeing a therapist about it too?
I hope things improve soon,
Jaz xx
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Good morning Pink Grapefruit.
I just read your post and I also have come to live over here since 2012 and struggled to make friends.
I have friends back in the UK and I have my family over here even though they live more or less in a different state, but I don’t have anyone close by who I can talk to or meet up for shopping trips or coffee.
And Christmas is even worse as I don’t have anyone to spend the Christmas period with.
I know exactly where you’re coming from and I too feel quite awkward around strangers till you get to know me.
I would like to be your friend.
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Hi Pink grapefruit,
I understand your feeling, it's not easy. In general Australia is an inclusive country, but you still need to make your own efforts. Don't assume you're not good enough cause it is normally a wrong imagination.
I moved to Australia for 4 years, and I'm not very good at socialising either. My resources of new friends:
1. Neighbours - choose an inclusive neighbourhood is important;
2. Workplace - some of your workmates can become good friends;
3. Church - or other religion place if you have;
4. Hobby clubs - for example hiking, camping, etc;
5. Volunteer jobs - you're much easier to be accepted because people there are doing selfless things together with the same purpose.
Hope it helps a little bit.
Mark
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Hello, smallwolf. Thank you for your message. Curiosity - that is something I am lacking. I not sure it is because I don’t have enough energy for that or it is my personality. I used to study after work etc but I feel burned out. Maybe I have been doing a lot to make a living in Australia. After I read your message, I feel I may need to recharge before being able to become curious about others. I will try to recharge first and start making more conversations with others. Thank you for your advice.
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Hello Jazz28. Thank you for your reply. I have seen a therapist before but that does not change me easily. Also, during Christmas season, it gets harder. I hope one day I can make true friends. I know I have to take some actions for that but I need some hopes.
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Hi Jules47. Thank you for you message. It means a lot to me to talk to someone who is from overseas and is having similar feelings. Sometimes i wonder if I am trying to protect myself from any possible risks that I may have in this country.. when can I settle down if that is the case… I agree Christmas is worse!!
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Hi Mark Z. Thank you for the tips. I am vey slow in taking these actions as I am not good at them. However, I should and I want to try. Otherwise I will be really alone for the rest of my life. Hope I can make the first step in these and make a difference soon.
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Hi Pink grapefruit,
Don't give yourself too much pressure, choose the easiest way that may work for you, start with small steps, feel proud of yourself for every small step. Everything will be better.
Merry Xmas.
Mark