We moved into our village 4 years ago. I am retired and my husband semi retired. Despite being introverted and not normally a joiner, I joined the WI, becoming Secretary, became Treasurer of the Rural Cinema group and joined a reading group. I wanted to meet people and feel like part of the community. I’ve also helped out at various village events and been part of a quiz team. People have been friendly but many have lived here for decades and it’s difficult to make friends rather than acquaintances. A
couple of weeks ago, it was the 80th birthday party of a chap who lives near us. We’ve chatted often, I joined him on an organised village walk and I’ve taken part in many quizzes and other events with him and his wife. The party was held in the village hall and 150 people went. We were not invited but of course I heard about it from people at the activities I take part in. It feels like a kick in the teeth tbh. It makes me feel as if I’ve been deluded, thinking I was part of the community when actually that’s not true.