“The older I get, the easier I find it to make friends.”
^ Yep. I had a really hard time in school. Now that I am more comfortable being myself, I make more friends frequently, while keeping the old ones. Just last week, I met another girl my age, walking her dog. We talked for an hour. I’m still introverted, quiet and not good at small talk. Somehow, I’m learning to deal with people in spite of that.
Two things helped me:
1. A job in which I was forced to meet strangers, but…on my turf. I work as a dog trainer, so the people that I have to meet are usually grateful for advice and friendly. I think retail would have killed me.
2. Realistic expectations. I know I’m an introvert, and I’ve accepted that I need time to re-charge. I allow myself to take breaks from people, and am much better at being social as a result.