I’ve Forgotten How to Make Friends
New job but worse social skills
I’ve learned certain skills as an adult — managing budgets, whipping up meals, and even knowing how to send polite reminder emails. But there is one skill that I’ve somehow lost.
As strange as it sounds, I think I’ve forgotten how to make friends.
I consider myself a decent person — friendly and approachable. Yet, I struggle to connect with new people, especially at work. I recently started a new job, and it only highlighted how far my conversational skills have fallen since the start of my career — 5 years ago.
Was I less jaded then? Has the pandemic damaged my social skills? Or is it the growing battle of imposter syndrome v. my self-confidence?
Regardless, meaningful conversations seem to evade me, and I struggle to move beyond small talk. I can’t help but feel like I’m doing everything wrong.
I don’t need BFFs, but a little familiarity would be nice.
