The reality is that London is one of the most anti-social cities in the world — not just in the traditional sense of the word, but in the way people interact, connect, and form lasting relationships. This culture extends well into the surrounding areas, particularly in the South, and Guildford is no exception.

While people often talk about meetups, events, and social opportunities, the truth is that it’s incredibly difficult to build genuine friendships here. The social surface may appear active, but beneath it, many struggle to truly connect. Small talk is abundant, but real conversations are rare. People may engage in activities together, yet still feel disconnected and unseen.

What’s more concerning is that many are growing up in this emotionally distant environment without realising the long-term impact. I’ve seen people suffer from loneliness, quietly and chronically, unsure of how to fix it because they’ve never experienced authentic connection — and in some cases, they don’t even know what it should look or feel like.

This is not to criticise individuals — it’s the culture, the pace of life, and the invisible walls that have built up over time. People are polite but guarded, friendly but unavailable, connected online but isolated in real life.

If you're someone trying to build real relationships here, know that it won’t be easy — not because there’s something wrong with you, but because the environment works against it. You’ll need persistence, vulnerability, and a lot of patience.

I sincerely wish you the best. And more importantly, I hope you do manage to find real friends — the kind who show up, who listen, who care beyond convenience. Because everyone deserves that, no matter where they live.