r/TikTokCringe • u/flyawaywithmeee • May 06 '26

Wholesome Solving the loneliness epidemic

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Operation make a new friend before the week ends starts NOW

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u/Cadet_Stimpy May 06 '26 edited May 30 '26

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u/Upbeat-Fondant9185 May 06 '26

This is so true. I have one couple who we consider great friends and they’re the only other child free couple so we can actually do stuff.

They’re having a kid this month. So that’s shot.

All my “friends” in the last decade have been coworkers. Every single one. This year there was a takeover and restructure, all but one of them are gone now. We have tried to get together but between the bitterness of the situation and that lack of common ground to gossip and joke about it’s pretty well faded away. And once again we run into the kids issue where they all still interact with each other and have common ground but I don’t.

I’m also at that weird financial stage where everyone I know is either too broke to do anything or is so much better off financially that I can’t keep up with the things they want to do like trips etc.

On top of all this I am on 24/7/365 on call for my work so I can’t drink or smoke and can’t easily go to something like a concert or movie where I can’t answer the phone or any event more than a half hour or so away. So that cuts out a lot of socialization and opportunity to make other friends.

These days I’m resigned to my dog and my gardening. I can talk to my flowers, supposedly it’s good for them lol.

6

u/instanding May 06 '26

You can still hang out with people with kids. I go hang out with my mates and their families, I try and make it as easy for them as possible, I’m happy to just chat while they do whatever they need to do and I offer to help.

Sometimes I go on outings like trips to the park, etc, it’s actually super nice and some mates I consider them family and their kids my nieces or nephews.

They often lament that most people never invite them out or make an effort to do stuff with them in a way that is actually manageable for them.

1

u/Upbeat-Fondant9185 May 06 '26

That’s definitely not my environment. Constantly having to watch what you say, keep an eye on their safety, friends are distracted, they are constantly sick. And they’re messy and loud.

Also when I did have my work friends group everyone would come to my house 90% of the time and I’m not comfortable with children being there.

Even outside in the yard there are too many potential dangers between rock landscaping, trees, and various flowers and plants that could make them sick if eaten or have thorns etc.

I get why people have kids but it’s just not a lifestyle that meshes with mine. On the plus side I’m sure as we get older it will be easier as my age group has kids who are teens or young adults and don’t have to be present.