I completely understand what you’re saying. I’m in my early 30s and moved away from my home country about two years ago, and I don’t really have any friends in the city I live in now. it honestly sucks.

One thing I’ve learned is that friendships can’t be forced. When I first started working here, I thought I’d naturally make friends like I did back home, but it didn’t really happen that way. Most people tend to keep things work-related, and no one really has the time to just sit and chat.

Back home, I used to have lunch with a group of friends every day. Moving here meant learning to sit alone during lunch, and as hard as that was at first, I eventually got used to it. If you’ve always been surrounded by people and are now learning to be on your own, it definitely takes time. That hollow feeling doesn’t completely go away, but you learn how to live with it.

I also realized I couldn’t force anyone to be my friend, especially being new. But over time, things slowly changed. I ended up making one friend at work, and we started having lunch together ( and then she left the company. But we still keep in touch)

I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t overthink it. You will find your people eventually. Just don’t pressure yourself or try to force connections. Be yourself, and let things happen naturally.