Hard to meet up with friends

[Hellospring12345]

Having one of those times where feeling a bit lonely. Don’t know if it’s anything to do with post Covid ( even now!?) but pre Covid it seemed so simple to arrange dates to meet up with friends and now I feel as though I’m always initiating.
Have taken up a new interest and plan to take up another. Don’t know whether to just let past friendships slide if I’ve had to be the one initiating meeting up.
Find it strange- my personality hasn’t changed lol so not sure why I’ve noticed such a difference in last couple of years.
Anyone else find this and did you let those friendships fade out?
Thank you

Personally, I don't get offended that it's usually me initiating things (as long as the friend does come as planned, and doesn't cancel 2 hours before or something annoying like that). I know I'm better at organising social things than some people are, and I wouldn't let a friendship slide for that reason.

I let them fade out and eventually lost all contact. It was too hard meeting up and it was always me making the effort. I always think if they really value the friendship they would make the effort.

I agree with @Toblerbone
If the meet-ups go ahead as planned then it doesn’t really matter who initiated it. Your friends wouldn’t agree to come if they didn’t want to see you. Plus if you initiate then you get a bit more say on date/time/venue

I know what you mean OP and find people are quite happy to regularly message without wanting to actually meet up. I'm currently letting one friendship slide as we haven't met in person for 8 months, although she's happy to send regular brief texts asking how i am! She is always too busy and has cancelled arrangements last minute a couple of times, so I can't see the point of it anymore! I'm making an extra effort to get back in touch with old friends and at least have regular catch up calls, as they're too far away to meet in person.

Thanks so far. I just find it strange- as in- if I was them, I’d be thinking that I would initiate the next time we meet.

No, I think it is pretty common in most friendships or social groups that one person tends to be 'the organiser' to a greater or lesser extent.

If you like spending time with them, continue to do so.
If you don't, then don't.

It doesn't really matter who organises the meet up as long as someone does.

However, if it is bothering you, then why not drop a message into the group and say "Look people, I do love seeing everyone, but have quite a bit on with other things at the moment, so would appreciate if someone else could sort the arrangements for next time?".