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Original poster

Is is harder to make friends as you get older?

27 replies

MintMat · 20/04/2024 22:23

I am 40 and moved to a new area (Previously in Central London, now in Greater London) 5 years ago. I have a 5 year old DS and a 4 year old DD and a husband of 12 years. I have friends from school who live dotted around the country and friends from previous jobs who again, live dotted around London. I stay in touch with lots of friends my phone and we meet up regularly. I have made lots of acquaintances through the kids schools and clubs etc but no real 'friends' is it just me who finds it hard? I always seem to be just on the outside of the friendship groups......

OP posts:
LenaLamont · 20/04/2024 23:15

I've made a lot of new friends since turning 50, so I don't think it's an age thing. It's more of an opportunity thing.

Thepinkyponkc · 20/04/2024 23:13

Yeah maybe. I found when I was younger I was more trusting / open / over shared etc and probably more enthusiastic and had more time to give. The older I’ve got - (esp since having kids and mixing with other mums) the more I’m learning that not everyone is what they seem and to go slowly with friendship etc . Before I would have gone head first ! So maybe it is harder but I know I have my reasons why and maybe others do? Also - you tend to have found friends when you’re younger and stick with them so don’t necessarily need more. With my first child i joined in with lots of school mum events and have a great group who are definitely now proper friends. Whereas my youngest son, I tried to avoid doing things as I already had too many friends to fit in- I know that sounds awful to say it like that.