Why don't I have friends?

[Lokikitty]

I have spent the last two weekends crying as I feel so lonely. Work has been so hectic, it would be lovely to have something to look forward to at the weekend. I have got so lonely during lockdown that I ended up confiding in a few people at work. They didn't understand how I feel.
I have a teenager but we don't get to spend a lot of time together.
I am doing CBT for loneliness as I get very low when I'm alone. But I'm a few weeks into the CBT and finding it frustrating as I don't have the answers to the questions that are am being asked. Both in sessions and for homework.

[Lokikitty]

SparklingLime - it's NHS, I'm in a low paid job, so can't afford to go private.

[Lokikitty]

I've arranged to meet someone for a walk next weekend. So will have something to look forward to next week 🙂

[NeedToKnow101]

@Lokikitty

I've arranged to meet someone for a walk next weekend. So will have something to look forward to next week 🙂

Ah that's nice! It makes so much difference having one thing planned ..

[SparklingLime]

Well, it could be worth being totally open with him about how you’re feeling about the sessions. Even if you have to write it down beforehand and give it to him, to avoid any chance of blanking halfway through.

[FippertyGibbett]

I agree. If the sessions are stressing you out, tell the person running them.

[Ninbuscl]

I went through a phase last year of stressing about why I haven’t any friends. Then during lockdown I realised how much I enjoyed not having to go through all the interactions involved in friendships. All my friendships are really just aquaintances and not people who will ever check in on me. I am now quite liking extending this now and just enjoying time myself. I seek mumsnet if I need a chat or to answer a question others probably ask friends. I think socially i am pretty terrible and the stress of friendships is just not worth it for me

[Lokikitty]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. It's nice to know that people care.
I got the impression that my counsellor thinks I'm not in the right place for CBT. I was tempted to agree but my DD begged me to do it as I get anxious whenever she's not at home. And i was on the waiting list for 6 months.
Anyway, feeling a bit better today even though I didn't get a lot of sleep. I'm reading the Last Child by John Hart and really getting into it 🙂

[ThatIsNotMyUsername]

@Ninbuscl

I went through a phase last year of stressing about why I haven’t any friends. Then during lockdown I realised how much I enjoyed not having to go through all the interactions involved in friendships. All my friendships are really just aquaintances and not people who will ever check in on me. I am now quite liking extending this now and just enjoying time myself. I seek mumsnet if I need a chat or to answer a question others probably ask friends. I think socially i am pretty terrible and the stress of friendships is just not worth it for me

That’s me! I’m not very good with people- but always the first anyone comes to when there’s a problem to something that needs done. People seem to think I’m a serene being, calm and laid back, kind and understanding... I have been likened to a cat (maybe they meant fat, lazy and eats bugs 😉)