So unbelievably lonely, it hurts

Friendships are not fixed. They come and go.

So it's never too late to start making friends.

Just find a group you might enjoy and go along. Art? Sports? Choir? Orchestra? Help with reading at a primary school? Learn a language? Crochet group?

Hi. That sounds really difficult and a horrible way to feel. I've felt like that too. Things will get better. You have the freedom to do whatever you want and create a great life for yourself. Are there groups you can join? Walking groups, gym etc. you'll meet new people. Maybe look online for advice about how to be more confident to combat the shyness. I'm sure you've lots to offer in friendship. While your looking for a new role why don't you try something you'd really enjoy, something new etc. take good care of yourself. I wish you luck and every happiness .

It’s never too late, OP. You could join a group or a meet up and slowly start to build up a social life over time.

What do you like doing op? Any old interests or current interests.

Perhaps go on to meet up and join a walking group or something?

How old are you OP? I personally think that being best friends with work colleagues is never a good idea. I like my work colleagues we get along well, have a laugh at work ect. But I would never socialise with them outside work.

I think you should join a club or something. A sports club. People tend to be friendly there. It can take awhile though. I’m in a sports club and have been for 5 years and have a number of good friends there. It does take awhile and you need to attend regularly.

Absolutely not too late. New job, new possibilities. A new hobby wouldn't go amiss either.
And honestly, there's some truth in the saying 'fake it til you make it.' Only you can make the changes. I wish to God it did fall into our laps, but sadly not
It doesn't always need to be this way. Please remember that.
Very best of luck with everything x

I agree Strawberries - make connections and small ones can grow. We need people to talk to, even if it just about the weather. Volunteering perhaps in a library for a couple of hours is another way to stay connected. Have a few things where you can meet people for a few hours once a week or once a month and build it from there.

Try and stay in touch with one or two people from each workplace you go so you build up a small network of friends. I always remember my cousin being in the same boat and saying it wasn't about have really close best friends but just someone to go to the cinema with once in a while.

I didn't want to call you LonelyLone as it is such a sad name. I'm sending you my best wishes. Things will get better.

Loneliness is an awful feeling and I’m sorry. It’s never too late though. Seek people out, make connections, small ones can grow. Even people with friends and connections can feel lonely, so you are not on your own feeling this way. Be brave and it will pay off eventually.

I really sympathise with you. I've recently moved to a town where I don't know anyone. The few friends I have left in the old place I lived seemed to have moved on and no longer phone for a catch-up so I'm feeling a bit empty at the moment. There's only so much I can phone without feeling I'm making a nuisance of myself.

Just remember though this is temporary. You will get another job and hopefully it'll be a large enough place that you have regular work events you can go to. I'm not doing it myself at the moment but try and build up a small social life. These people don't need to be your best friends but I've realised in recent months that we all need contact of some kind - have a chat with people in local shops, join something that won't be too taxing for you like a walking group (even if you just meet once a month). We all need these interactions. Good luck. I'm sure things will improve.

One last thing, are there any people from your old workplace that you'd like to keep in touch with. If so, maybe suggest a coffee once in a while. You can perhaps say you're just passing. Friendship take a while to establish. You can't rush them.

Can't help practically, but wanted to reply to give support. Looks like a looking for a new job will be the priority, and then focus on building relationships.

I’m sorry. It’s horrible when you realise something like that. But it’s not too late.

Anything locally you might fancy trying? Choir, martial arts, life drawing etc?