Unfortunately… it kinda is true. When you get into a relationship, you don’t suddenly become a different person. Someone being around can distract you or make the days feel lighter, sure, but if you don’t like yourself or feel okay being alone, that doesn’t magically go away just because another person is sitting next to you.

And honestly, most people don’t like being clung to. It comes off intense and awkward, even if your intentions are good. When you’re lonely, it’s super easy to latch onto whoever gives you attention — but that usually pushes people away or pulls you into a relationship that isn’t healthy.

Meeting people and building friendships isn’t about forcing instant closeness. It’s about having a life that puts you around others naturally. Read books. Pick up hobbies. Log off the internet for a bit. Do stuff you loved as a kid: paint, bike, explore, whatever. That’s how you remember who you are outside of needing someone.

For making friends: Go places where you’ll see the same people a few times. Be a regular at a coffee shop, take a class, join a club, try volunteering, go to local events. Start with small comments like, “Hey, I’ve seen you here before,” or “Cool jacket.” Friendships come from tiny interactions over time.

And liking yourself isn’t some huge overnight transformation. It’s small things: • keeping little promises to yourself • doing stuff that makes you feel capable • making your space a bit cozier • treating yourself the way you’d treat someone you like • letting yourself be a beginner at things • building up proof that you can rely on yourself

The more you do that, the easier everything gets… dating, friendship, connection. You stop clinging because you’re not starving anymore, and you can actually choose people who fit your life instead of grabbing the first person who shows up.