Being lonely and bored but not knowing what to do
Far too often in my life (especially in the past 5 years or so), I've been lacking the motivation (or ability) to do something enjoyable like starting a new personal project or getting involved in something with other people. It's really bothering me because I would love to find something that gives me a reason to get up in the morning, so to speak. It's not like I don't have any interests or hobbies. For instance, I like listening to music, playing the piano, watching documentaries, reading, hiking, biking, climbing, taking photographs of cool landscapes and studying languages (I do that at university). Ironically, I have either not done or not been able to enjoy any of that in the past few weeks or even months. The problem is probably that I've somehow gradually lost the ability to enjoy doing things on my own (especially during my teen years). Now, being a young adult in my early twenties, I am in desperate need of a social circle outside of my family (or at least one or two good friends). I have a few acquaintances at university who I talk to occasionally, but no "real friends". It's even worse during term break because I obviously don't randomly meet anyone from university in my hometown. I don't have any close friends from school either (again, I mainly had some acquaintances, but that's it and I haven't had contact with any of them or my former friends in years; I just suck at making friends and maintaining friendships).
I feel reluctant to contact old friends or acquaintances because I'm not sure I even know them anymore, let alone if they would want to do something with me (and, ironically, vice versa). Actually, there's only one of them I'd actually like to do something with (and who I text every once in a while), but he won't have time up until next month. And I have no clue how on earth I'm supposed to get to know new people. It's like I've lost all possible connections to my past, to anything and anyone. Finally, I also feel like there are only very few people I can connect to. If I can't connect or relate to someone, then I wouldn't even be able to be friends with that person in the first place. So I guess you could say that the percentage of possible "candidates" for being friends with me is much smaller than when it comes to "normal" people. It's not that I'm picky, I'm just not compatible with most people.
I guess it all comes down to some kind of contradiction of wanting to make and keep friends but at the same time not wanting or being able to be friends with the majority of people.
So the question to you all is (especially if you have or you've encountered similar problems): How can you get into (or back into) a social circle/making friends when you've been socially isolated for such a long time? I don't even know where to begin...
This may feel like a vague, stock answer, but it truly is the way to go: get involved in something. If you have a hobby or skill, find a class or team and join. Figure out what's in your community. Find places to volunteer, maybe with kids or animals. If you don't know what you like, try something new and join a beginners kickboxing, yoga, self defense, or ballet class. If you don't want something physically active, you might find art classes at your local rec center or craft store. If you have a community college nearby, that's a great place to get involved in art, theatre, dance, or fitness as a beginner. You can usually audit those types of classes so it won't mess up your transcript.
I don't make friends well and don't usually get along with people at work, but I'm a trained singer and dancer, so I do musical theatre. I can make friends there because they have similar interests as me and some are just as weird as I
Theatre is cool because there are many facets, and there are many different levels, so you can start with amateur theatre and move up to professional if you find a niche! If you don't like performing or aren't good at it, you could be a stagehand who moves set pieces and curtains, you could run lighting or sound during the show, you could be a dog or child wrangler backstage if the show has animals or kids, you could help build or paint the set, you could be an usher and help people find their seats, and the list goes on... most amateur, kids', or school theatres are happy to take volunteers and would love to train you in whatever you might like to learn! Since you play the piano, you may be able to get involved with the orchestra, or playing for their auditions or rehearsals.
It's nice to be a part of a production because it gives you things to do on weeknights AND weekends, whether its rehearsals or shows. It's also somewhat of an intimate environment and everyone is usually pretty accepting. Look for community theatres in your area, and you can also check with schools and colleges. Theatre people tend to be inclusive because we're all a little weird
I know how you feel, since I've been feeling that way for some time now. There is a longing to connect but no real confidence to take the first step, and perhaps too much dependency on others trying to get to know me first.
I feel really bored, really empty, since there's no one to share my interests with. I wish I had an answer but I'm really struggling with this myself.
I feel really bored, really empty, since there's no one to share my interests with. I wish I had an answer but I'm really struggling with this myself.
Same for me to the letter. It seems to affect a lot of us in the same way but I totally understand where your coming from. I'm the same just feeling empty and lost but anxious as hell as if times running out but I don't know what I'm supposed to do. No interest in anything or anything. I think all you can do is try to hang in there and try to keep busy and keep your mind occupied.
That happened to me something like 4 or 5 years ago. I used to really enjoy playing guitar in my house and learning new songs. Now I just can't do that. I used to enjoy learning a lot of things. Learning stuff made me tick. It's a scary downhill path. I know how it feels.
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I'm at university just now. I've barely got some acquaintances but that's it. I'm in a new town far away from any friends or support. I just can't seem to get any momentum going at uni. Just can't break down any barriers.
I don't have recommendations about getting back into social circles as I'm constantly trying to do that myself as well.
However I'll recommend this about your interests
Try to do something you love again. For me it helps and has helped if I have a destination to get to. For me it's playing music. I'll hire a rehearsal room (a positive destination) if I want to play. The results are good. a 3 hour session gives me energy for a day or two if I'm lucky. It feels like I reignite a spark in me, sometimes.
Try finding yourself some bookable biking or climbing clubs/groups. Something you can turn up to and just go.
The times where I've met people and made a friendship has been the times when I've been most energised.
What I learned in life is normal people outgrow (develope faster than) Aspie's. It's really evident when you graduate high school, you watch all your "friends" move on and forget about you. They go in different directions, working, having families, and only wanting to hang with like minded normal people; leaving us Aspies all alone because we're not up to par with their new social class. Were the ones they talk about behind our backs saying things like, we havent moved on since HS, were still so needy and immature, we still have no friends and nobody wants to hang out with us (unless they're out to use us), etc... I tried hanging out with younger crowds but eventually they will outgrow you too; and you can't keep on doing that because you'll eventually be "that prev" in the eyes of your peers (even more so if you already were). It's the main thing that really sucks having AS of HFA. Friends are truly scarce because the norms will avoid us at all costs. We too much for them to handle on a true friend level, unless of course we have a certain resource they want to exploit off of us. Be really careful in whome you choose to hang with, I'm sure you already know the drill.
Do not be afraid to contact those old aquaintances - you never know what may develope.
I understand your feeling of being incompatible with most people.
But you don't always have to be compatible, opposites attract, sometimes simply love of the same kind of music is enough for a simple friendship where you perhaps meet up to listen to music together.
Getting bored of your hobbies is normal, and it's okay and good to have a break - it can refresh your interest.
Try new activities, get out there and then you'll have some interesting stories to add to conversations with people.
If you are hesitant, try an activity that is similar/related to one of your hobbies.
I'm terribly sorry u feel this way.
I have found that animals can make u feel very welcome. I've been volunteering at a shelter, and the amount of love I have gotten from hella cute puppies, kittens,....is astounding. It's not enough, but it surely makes time fly when i hold a small puppy with beady eyes begging for my love and attention.
I hope u try it, it might help. They also don't Judge u. They'll just lick ur face and wag their little tails
The things bore u out cause u are dull from a lack of affection. Thats how i feel anyway...
i wish u all the best