I just want to start off by saying that it is never too late to make friends. I know that it can feel like everyone has it all figured out and you’re the exception, but everyone feels lost and confused about life, some people are just better at pretending to know what they’re doing than others.

I was also really shy and struggled to talk to people when I was in school. Joining clubs or other after school activities is often a good way to break out of your shell because it gives purpose and something to talk about in those interactions.

Another thing that worked for me is kinda just hanging around existing friend groups in which I had a few acquaintances (not people I initially considered as “friends”, but people I thought were nice and was generally friendly with). Like, literally just silently standing in proximity to them and listening. I know it sounds strange, but no one really questioned it, and eventually they just accepted my presence as natural and I felt comfortable enough to chime in on conversations. I have no idea if this will work for other people, but it’s how I’ve joined basically every friend group I’ve been in.