To so desperately want deeper friendships

[Jellyrose20]

I have lots of friends. But most of them are superficial level friendship where we go out as a group or text on the group chat.
I have two very close friends but they don't have kids so it draws a line in between our lives. They are amazing and supportive of me and vice versa but there's a limit.
Ive tried really hard to make deeper connections by making effort to have play dates, nighrs with no kids and to oberal keep in touch with mum friends. However overall it feels incredibly one sided and I do feel that if I didn't message them to arrange to meet up we would never see each other. They always say yes to play dates when I arrange them though (they come to the play date too) so I reason they can't really dislike me, but I can't shake the feeling that they must as nobody wants to progress deeper friendship.
I really crave some close 1 on 1 or small group friendships with people going through life as I am right now.
What can I do?

100% this, what deep conversations are you wanting to have? Is it a case you are just looking for someone to unload your problems on to?

Some people can think really well within their own brain, some people struggle to think and need a conversation, they are happy to reciprocate in my experience. They just need someone who thinks like they do.

You are very fortunate to have developed thinking skills and that you never need to talk anything through with another human.

Some people just like to hear others perspective, they like to challenge their opinions and thinking to grow, you can't do that alone.

I have had a few different mum friends over the years that I really bonded with, spent time together with the children and without them.
I don't see them often now, but when we bump into each other we'll chat for ages.
my current mum close friend is 15 years younger, you'll meet someone who you gel with.
Her eldest, is my youngest DC friend, we've helped each other a lot, won't be lifeline friends forever.

Now, this is the upside of alcoholism! 😆 AA is where I get deep, soul connection with other people, mostly other women. The shared vulnerability, struggle, addiction... it's incredibly powerful. In my 'normal' friendships this has sometimes developed over time and is really special. I totally get what you mean OP, and well done for being so chill about some of the replies 🫠 Think you just have to keep plugging away, and have faith that you will find the deeper connections you're seeking