How to make friends?

[givechocolate]

I am quite lonely, not depressed by it but it is there. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family and partner.

I'm 18, with one DC (13 months). Since becoming pregnant the majority of my friends deemed me 'boring' and have made little to no effort with keeping in contact. I have invited them over numerous times, but there is always an excuse. Most of them just smoke weed and party. They've shown very little interest in DS and rarely ask how I'm doing so I've left it at that, hoping I could meet some new maturer friends.

I take DS to baby groups fairly regularly as he loves them and I thought it would be a good way to make friends. It should be said that there are a few really lovely mums that are very friendly and warm.

However, I often find myself feeling really excluded. I am not a particularly shy person, and try to make conversation where I can but some of the mothers clearly are not interested.

Recently, at the smaller baby group there were a few birthdays and I noticed that everyone had been invited but DS and I. It sounds petty but it's an example of the exclusion.

I love my partner and adore our son more than anything - so I don't want a heavy, needy friendship at all. Honestly, I would like to just be invited out for the odd coffee or a play-date.

Tbh, I don't even know what my AIBU is. Just needed to get it out. Sorry for long, painfully boring post. < not envy

I often find that parents invite children of the same age to their DC's parties. I wouldn't overthink that too much unless of course all the kids are the same age! Why not invite some mums for a meet-up outside the group? Otherwise you will just be a group-friend rather than a friend-friend.

How old are the other mums at your baby groups? Are you a lot younger?

I've used the Mush app and have met a couple people from there, nothing heavy we just message each other every now and again to meet up.
It maybe worth trying

It’s so tough - I get that, but the best thing to do is just ask to be brave and take a risk - if you want to go out for a coffee, ask people out for a coffee!

With a toddler, seeing if there are any buggy or sling waking groups in your area - often easier to chat to other mums if babies are confined to the buggy rather than careering all over the place.

@PavlovaFaith

I think you're right, I will have to be a bit more out-going and ask them maybe.

All of the DC including my son were celebrating first birthdays within a month of each-other. My DS was first, and I invited them although they couldn't come which is fine, people have lives and my DS won't even remember - I get that. It was this week when they were all sharing the photos of their DC first birthdays when I realised I hadn't been invited and felt awkward.

I agree with being a bit bold and inviting one or 2 mums to the park for a meet up and grab a coffee and cake after or a picnic after.
Goodluck 👍👍👍

@Ginger1982

I'm probably the youngest. There are a few other young mums (maybe early twenties) who I get along with but not anymore than the older mums.