Or maybe I am just a massive weirdo?

[Lightningbolt82]

At work I :listen to my colleagues ; show I'm interested in the dileriously boring shyte they talk about by asking questions and indulging them; am kind to others (even when they are being an arse) and generally make a huge effort to fit in.
With other parents I meet I : ask about their kids; talk about boring bollocks in order to get to know them and generally try to be pleasant.
SO WHY DOES NOBODY RECIPROCATE?
I just don't get it. I'm wondering if it's the area as I used to have so many nice friends and acquaintances in my last area 4 years ago. Or have people changed into boring, self-absorbed wankers? OR......or..... Is there something wrong with me? I feel like I matter to nobody. In a bad way people!!

I agree. I have noticed people talk about topics so they can turn the conversation around to them.

I'm exactly the same OP. I feel like I take so much interest in people and ask questions but never get it in return. I listen to them when they're talking but they don't listen to me and it hurts.

I also think there's a regional aspect to this. One of my friends moved to this area 2 years ago and says she's so relieved to meet people who aren't obsessed with possessions and what everyone else has got and what you do for a living.

because you're feeling down.

I think it does sound like you're a good listener. Also there are things I know I'm boring about... I could talk about my DD all day long. I try not to because I know other people aren't interested, and maybe some people around you have less of a filter (and I probably do it more than I think I do).

It's nice that people are seeking you out. But I do get why you're feeling low.

I think the trick is to find something of mutual interest. Then the conversations can become more balanced.

Or, have you tried changing the tone? I.e. if you usually start off with "... so how are you?" kind of thing, change it to something relevant to yourself. "Bloody awful night last night". THEN if they change it back to a conversations about themselves they're definitely rude/self-absorbed. But at least you KNOW that.