Do not like going out with large groups of friends

Can you arrange smaller events? That is what one of my friends does. She is quite open with us as the core group that she doesn't want to to spend time with people she doesn't know or like if she is organising something.

My best friend occasionally brings a friend we were at primary school with.She never married and has no family and I now find her very boring as we have nothing in common. We have a much better chat when it's just the 2 of us but I would never say that.

I have an 'acquaintance' at my golf club where we are both social members (husbands actually play the golf). I wouldn't yet call her a friend (we're not 5 !) but last time we met she mentioned a day out together and then said "oh, and I'll ask this friend and that friend" neither of whom I've ever met and have no intention of doing so.
I think some people just like to surround themselves with others as they can't keep a conversation going with less than a large group, it becomes a lot of one upmanship, boasting.

I prefer a smaller group because I am hard of hearing and the bigger the group, the louder the voices become and it is very hard to hear over the hubbub. Hearing aids make this worse as you get all the background noise as well as the voice you are trying to concentrate on and the function on the hearing aids that is supposed to help with this problem does not work very well.

I prefer a small group although this week I have been invited for coffee with about 8 people I don't know well.
I was a bit put out last week. I heard one of my best friends was very depressed and on strong tablets so I asked her out for coffee.
I sat at a quiet table for 2 but when she arrived we had to move as she had invited another lady I only know to see. This meant all the chat was about this woman and her family.
I felt this was rude and thoughtless.

I like both - going out with just a small group of friends and really enjoy mixing with a large group. I do love a good natter, so for me, the more people to chat to, the better!

Agree with you and many years ago whilst working at a different place we used to go out. Then it all became too much and I found myself making excuses now I go where I please and stay away from events that don’t suit. Life’s too short.

It is wrong for people to 'bring along a friend' to what was a small group. I wouldn't like it either.
it isn't what it once was so I would withdraw.

I wouldn’t like such a big group either Allsorts
I find about 6 in a group enough.If there’s too many it’s noisy and you can’t chat to everyone. Do what suits you.

*confidentially

I'm a very chatty and sociable person , but occasionally I find huge groups of friends all talking at once a bit much .

I think it's because I'm over sensitive to loud voices and I also can't follow too many conversations at once .
I went to an extremely loud party with deafening music a couple of weeks ago and sat quietly with a lady and her two daughters , who are much quieter than I am .
They were glad to talk to me !

Don't stop going out .
Maybe join something new and make new friends .

Can't you tell anyone in the group how you feel?
Tell them "confidentiality" why you are refusing to join in with things. Maybe they are feeling the same?