Am I the only one who feels this way? I genuinely want to be friends with everyone at school, but my memory is so terrible that I can’t remember their names. When I see them, I end up just saying “good morning,” “bye,” or “hi!” because I can’t greet them in a more personal way. Honestly, I don’t even remember many of my teachers’ names! 😭 Sometimes, I don’t even know what my next class is without checking my timetable.
I’m really trying to make friends, even venturing into different groups just to have someone to talk to. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy my alone time too, but I also crave companionship. Unfortunately, my social anxiety and low self-esteem make it challenging. I feel like everyone is judging me for every little thing I say or do, which makes approaching people really hard. I don’t want to come across as a “pick me” or a “try-hard”; I just want to connect with others in this new school and country I call home.
To make things even more complicated, I have a friend who moved to New Zealand around the same time I did. I thought we would explore and adapt to our new school together, but within just the second week, she found her own friend group. Now, I’m back to feeling alone, wandering the school like a lost puppy, while everyone else has already formed their cliques. Most days, I just grab my laptop and sit under a tree to relax, hoping to find a place where I fit in. 😶🙃
Hey there! First of all, you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. A lot of people struggle with social anxiety and the challenge of making friends in a new environment. It can be especially hard when you’re trying to adjust to a new school and country. Remember, it takes time to find your place and connect with others.
It’s great that you’re open to meeting new people! Sometimes, starting small can help. Try initiating conversations about shared interests—maybe ask about classes, favorite subjects, or even hobbies. You could also look for clubs or activities that align with your interests, as those can be excellent ways to meet like-minded people.
And don’t be too hard on yourself! Making friends is a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Sometimes, just saying “hi” or smiling at someone can spark a conversation. You’ve already made a great first step by expressing your feelings here.
As for your friend who found a group quickly—it’s completely normal for different people to adapt at different rates. Just because they found a group doesn’t mean you won’t find yours too! Keep being open and patient with yourself. It’s okay to enjoy your alone time while letting connections happen naturally.
Wishing you the best of luck—you got this! 🌼