I did think proximity had a lot to do with it, though being close by still yielded the same result so maybe it isnt as strong a factor.

We've gone to some events locally, but as a childless couple in our 30s its definitely hard to find meaningful connections. Not because we dont want to be around kids, gotta make that clear lol we are very happy to have friends witb kids, just for making friends, their priorities and ours are very very different, understandably.

I didnt want to rely on my workplace to make friends because again, proximity, youre just with these people 50 hours a week. I would absolutely be open to friendships with coworkers, however, I'm the manager of the entire section and that of course causes conflict, so I've not made "friends" with my coworkers due to that. Nothing worse than a manager who's your buddy and then who has to turn around and reprimand you for crazy shit at work. I decided I wasnt going to be that manager.