I still have DH and a lovely family but several of my friends have died, in particular the closest ones. Others live a long way away, the kind of friends you see very rarely but you can pick up just where you left off when you do meet.
You can join groups but it's not easy to make friends when you're getting older as everyone seems to be in their little cliques, they might be friendly but, as another lady I knew years ago said "I have lots of friendly acquaintances but my true friends have all died".
If you are content and self-sufficient, that is a blessing.
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I have no friends and it doesn't bother me
(69 Posts)flappergirl
I have no friends or family to speak of, other than my adult son and it certainly didn't bother me one jot until I was widowed. My DH and I were each other's best friends. We chatted and laughed, shared the same world views and had a very happy, easy going relationship. What I would kindly say OP is that you might find it less satisfying should you be widowed. I know it sounds ridiculous but I didn't realise how much the rug would be pulled from under me when he died. The house is silent, no more conversation or laughter, nobody to talk to about my work or my day. Nobody to go out for a meal with. Nobody to go on holiday with. Nobody to share anything with really. It just hadn't occurred to me.
Flappergirl, I am so sorry for your loss, it must be so hard sometimes. I have not, as yet, ever had to live alone but am dreading if it does happen. I can remember my mother saying how lonely it felt. 💐
You seem content with your life, and I think having a good relationship with your OH really helps. I have friends but can go for long periods of time without seeing them and this doesn't bother me. My best friend is my OH so like you that is enough most days.
I have no friends or family to speak of, other than my adult son and it certainly didn't bother me one jot until I was widowed. My DH and I were each other's best friends. We chatted and laughed, shared the same world views and had a very happy, easy going relationship. What I would kindly say OP is that you might find it less satisfying should you be widowed. I know it sounds ridiculous but I didn't realise how much the rug would be pulled from under me when he died. The house is silent, no more conversation or laughter, nobody to talk to about my work or my day. Nobody to go out for a meal with. Nobody to go on holiday with. Nobody to share anything with really. It just hadn't occurred to me.
I understand. I do have a couple of friends, but I'm content on my own (with my DH and children). I have contact with my parents and sibling.
I maintain social connections because I do think it's important when the big things happen in life.
As long as you're happy, that's what matters.
I m opposite I need friends and I hope they need me
Oh a woman after my own heart. I’ve always been judged by my older sisters for having no friends. They think I’m odd and look down on me and I’ve spent years thinking something was wrong with me because Ive never felt the need for close friendships.
Now, i understand that’s just who I am. Like yourself, I have a DH who I get on with famously. He’s similar to me but not quite as introverted and also 10 years older than me.
My only concern is how I will cope when/if he dies before me. I do have an adult son whom I love dearly but we’re on quite different wavelengths too.
I also speak to one of my sisters occasionally, I think she worries about me but really she has no need to.
I'm one who needs friends. I am a widow but even when DH was around I had my own friends.
He had his too so we weren't dependent on eachother but we enjoyed eachother's company too and did lots together but separately too.
If there's noone about I have the radio on. I don't like being alone for too long.
In recent years friends have become unwell, died or moved away. One person I had to break ties with recently as the friendship was one-sided much of the time, and often toxic.
I rarely see anyone other than family now. Luckily one son and family live minutes away and the other 20-25 minutes drive away. I message a friend, who I've known since I was 5, online, email another sometimes, phone another now and then.
I'm happy to live on my own, have done for a long time. I'm always doing something and never bored, I've too many interests and activities. I'm content with how my life is as I'm a real introvert anyway. I was an only child for 11 years so learned how to amuse myself and enjoy solitude. I come from a quiet family, all of us happy mainly in our own company/world.
So no I don't find it odd at all but I know people do, probably those who need stimulation and the almost constant company of others and who have been used to it all their lives. I'm friendly enough and often have a chat with people I see when out walking. I'd like a bit more connection with people sometimes but 95% happy how things are.
We’re all different. I have no close local friends, several kind acquaintances though who chat and would offer help if needed. There are good, close if geographically distant friends I see occasionally while chatting regularly on the phone and exchange messages and emails with. I’ve never craved friends, an isolated childhood taught me to be self sufficient. Mr C is similarly self sufficient, he even holds back from chatting to local acquaintances. At the moment we’re content with the pattern of our lives, would that change if either of us was alone? I’m honestly not sure, maybe - or maybe not
. You’re not odd suebw, you’re just being who you are. Things may change in the future, who knows. As long as you remain open to the potential and are happy now no need to worry in my view.
Not unusual at all. I have a long term friend I meet a couple of times a year and a cousin I talk to on the phone. I also speak to neighbours if we meet in passing but wouldn't say we were friends.
I keep busy and enjoy my own company as I'm rather an introvert. I don't consider that a problem we're all different.
you are creative and have a good relationship.. all good...
I really don’t know what to say. I’m on my own through divorce and I don’t know if I could cope without friends. But ofcourse, you have your husband, who is also your friend and I guess you don’t need anyone else.
It would only matter if you were upset by a lack of friends, as it is….
I think that whatever makes you and your OH happy is totally fine and nobody else’s business.
Me and my husband don't feel the need for friends. You may think that we may feel different if we didn't have each other. We wouldn't. I have a daughter, grown up granddaughter and sisters to whom I am very close. We do socialise with people outside the family occasionally but to be honest it's usually an inconvenience and we never feel totally comfortable.
I occasionally meet up with ex colleagues for coffee or lunch but it's always at their instigation not mine. I find it a chore.
No, I don’t think you’re odd! I think you’re just happy with your own company, and spending time with your partner. I’m retired, live alone, and don’t have any friends where I now live. I have a few old school friends I keep in touch with, but we seldom meet up, as we are scattered around the country. I go out to various activities and chat to people, but I don’t have anyone I could ask to go for a walk or a coffee. I sometimes feel a bit left out, especially at weekends, but most of the time I am perfectly fine pottering round on my own. I’m never bored!
You’re happy. That’s all that matters really.
We are all different.
Hi Everyone
Just wonder if I'm odd, I have no friends and it doesn't really bother me, but sometimes i think it should bother me
I'm late 50's and my OH is late 60's
I have weekly chat with my sister and see her every other month. My OH has no contact with his family
We have no joint friends and we never socialize, I walk our dog everyday so chat to other dog walkers and neighbours
I'm a self employed artist and work on my own daily
I don't feel lonely as my and my OH chat / have a laugh and get on really well
In the past I had work colleague who I've lost contact with over the years
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