Drifting apart from friends

XYZ123
Community Member

I have had practically the same group of good friends since primary school and I'm now in my early/mid 20's. Particularly in the last year I'm finding that I'm drifting apart from these friends but continue to pursue these friendships because I don't want to be lonely.

 I am almost at the end of my university studies and am working fairly long hours in a professional job. My close group of friends on the other hand are focused on going out to night clubs, relationships and their casual jobs. I always seem to be the one making the effort to get in contact with them and I find that when we catch up its usually me listening to their stories and they aren't interested in my life. Without sounding pretentious, I also think that I am more mature.

I have also recently separated with my boyfriend due to our careers meaning that we needed to be in different cities. We are still good friends but only message each other approx once per fortnight. We were only together for 6 months but during this time I was able to tolerate the distance between my friends and I because my ex and I have a lot in common. Now that we have been separated for approx 6 months, I feel like I am finding it difficult to find someone to confide in and its very lonely. 

I am now in a dilemma because I don't want to loose these friends forever but ours lives are so different and I am really needing a connection with likeminded people. My parents understand my situation but I feel like I need to have my own life and probably friends close to my age. 

3 Replies 3

CopingSince2012
Community Member

Hi XYZ,

I remember being in a very similar position. Now in my 30s I don't keep in touch with many from high school, or any...

Can you connect with people at university or your work that will have more similar goals? Even if they are a few years older, you may find more in common and you'll gradually see that age differences with mature friendships isn't a big deal. I have good friends 15 years older and 10 years younger than me. It's about common interests and goals, not common age.

Good luck with the last of uni studies!

Thanks for your advise. 

Thanks for your advice.