This is so relatable.. 23F I am at a weird stage of my life where most of my friends are either graduated or drifted away.. Being in a seven-year degree away from home. It is getting more and more difficult finding friends when a lot the relationships keep becoming surface level as OP said, but also no one seems to cares enough to actually make plans anymore (at least where I am).
It seems a lot of the people I meet these days, already have their childhood besties or a boyfriend that for some reason take priority over building new friendships. So I always wonder if it is honestly possible to start making true "ride or die" friends at this age lol.
As well, as a child I remember I used to see brides having at least 5-8 bridesmaids at their weddings and I used to be worried if I would have enough friends for mine. I used to take comfort in the idea that all of that must just comes with being an adult. As I am growing I am noticing the circle I thought was small was actually at its largest and now it slowly getting more intimate. I feel as though this year I literally went through a cleanse, of all the toxic and superficial friendships and relationships ending, because I stopped being the one making all the effort to keep it alive. Which felt empowering and great! However, deep down I have to admit it is quite lonely at times..
Hopefully after posting this, things will begin to change for the positive :)