The older I get, I'm happier to keep more to myself, only invest in close friendships

[LondonW]

I'm almost 50, single, live alone. Was in a long term relationship a few years ago but have always been content in my own company.

Lately, however, I find myself investing less time with acquaintances and prefer spending my time with close friends and family only. There's a lot of things I can't be bothered doing anymore with people I have felt I should keep in touch with, even though they're more acquaintances, not friends.

I also find I prefer meeting friends in small groups, I'm not interested in big nights out. I've a good circle of close friends though.

I've got better at saying no to certain events that before I only attended because, yet again, I felt I should.

Anyone else experience similar?

Not me.
In my 50s, I've had more time to pick up socialising again. It's been lovely.

But I guess that shows we are all different.
I mean, I do prefer to meet friends in smaller groups, but I've enjoyed renewing old acquaintances that petered out a bit in the years when most of us had dependent dc. So there are lots of different groups.

yep, lockdown taught me how much more I enjoy life if I spend more time alone, and less time with people who bore me

And I have always preferred seeing friends one to one than in big groups, except a few friendship groups where we get together for walks, or camping etc, and see plenty of each other one to one within that activity, and some of the time are all together

Yes,. I'm the same and I find it liberating.