Am I the only one feeling this way? I genuinely want to connect with everyone at school, but my terrible memory makes it difficult for me to remember names. I often find myself just saying “good morning,” “bye,” or some other vague greeting without knowing who’s who. Honestly, I can’t even keep track of my teachers’ names! 😠If I didn’t have my timetable, I wouldn’t even know what class is next. I’m so eager to make friends that I try to mingle with different groups just for someone to talk to.
Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy my alone time, but I also crave connection. Unfortunately, my social anxiety and low self-esteem hold me back. I constantly worry that everyone is judging me, which makes socializing a struggle. I don’t want to be seen as a “pick me” or overly eager; I just want to make new friends in this new school and in the country I’ve just moved to. It’s tough, especially since everyone speaks English. ðŸ˜
I have a friend who moved to New Zealand last year, just like me. I thought we could navigate our new surroundings together, but by the second week, she found her own friend group, and now here I am, wandering the school alone, like a lost puppy in search of companionship. Everyone already seems settled in their own groups, so I often just take my laptop to sit under a tree and relax. 😶🙃
You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way! Making friends can be really tough, especially in a new environment where everything feels unfamiliar. It’s completely normal to struggle with remembering names and feeling anxious about social situations—that’s something a lot of people experience, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
It sounds like you’re really putting yourself out there by trying to connect with others, and that’s a great first step! Maybe you could start by finding common ground with your classmates. For instance, if you sit near someone in class, you could ask them about the subject or share something interesting you learned. This can help ease some of the pressure of having to remember names right away.
Also, don’t be discouraged if your friend found a group quickly; everyone moves at their own pace. It might take some time, but remember that building friendships is a process. You could consider joining clubs or activities that interest you, as those often lead to meeting people with similar interests. And it’s perfectly okay to take time for yourself when you need it, too.
You’re doing your best, and that’s enough! Keep being you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to others. You never know who might be feeling the same way as you do. 🌟