i have friends but most, if not all are quite busy with their lives and things that they need to do (different schools). i get upset because they prioritise other relationships, besides family, over their friendship with me. i also get upset because they do not contact me unless i initiate and they claim to be my best friends. am i being clingy or asking for too much if i just want to have a friend, exclusively close to me and no one else, so that i can talk to without feeling burdened at the thought of disturbing?
hiii, i have no idea if its normal or not but i can definitely relate to your experience… idk if this fits your experience but in my experience this happens because your emotional need’s aren’t being met at home i don’t think you’re being clingy or asking for too much! it’s normal to need human connection and emotional support
Dear @ctvmlthr ,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feelings. It takes a lot of strength and self-awareness to express what you’re going through, and that shows how much you care about your friendships. Sounds like you’re a thoughtful and caring friend, and it’s great that you value your friendships so much. These feelings you’re having are normal and can be a bit tricky to understand.
It’s completely normal to want close, supportive friends. Everyone wants to feel connected and have someone they can rely on. From your sharing it sounds like a part of you understands that your friends might be busy with different things, like school or other friends and they might just have a lot going on. This doesn’t mean they don’t care about you. However, it’s also understandable if another part of you longs for the way things used to be. Experiencing feelings of grief and loss during times of change is normal. The transition period before settling into a new normal can indeed feel uncomfortable. Especially if you’re transitioning to a new school, these feelings are completely normal. Adjusting to new environments and making new friends can take time.
It can be frustrating if you feel like you’re always the one starting conversations. Sometimes, friends don’t realise they’re not reaching out as much as they should. It may be a good idea to talk to your friends about how you’re feeling. Let them know you’d like them to reach out more. This can help them understand your feelings better.
Here are a few things, I’d like to invite you to consider:
- Think About Your Needs: Pause for a moment to consider what you’re seeking from your friends, and then explore different avenues for fulfilling these needs. Here are some common needs that often arise in friendships:
- Support: You may need emotional support during challenging times, such as dealing with stress, schoolwork, or personal issues.
- Attention: You might crave more attention and acknowledgment from your friends, wanting them to actively listen to you and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Connection: You may desire deeper connections with your friends, wanting to feel understood, valued, and appreciated for who you are.
- Companionship: You might seek companionship and camaraderie, wanting to spend more quality time with your friends and create memorable experiences together.
- Validation: You may need validation and reassurance from your friends, wanting them to affirm your feelings, opinions, and experiences.
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Make More Friends: Try to meet new people and make more friends. This way, you won’t feel like you’re relying too much on any one person. Joining clubs or activities can be a great way to meet new people. Remember, sharing your thoughts and feelings with new people doesn’t mean you’re burdening them. Many people are happy to listen and connect with others.
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Meeting Your Own Needs: It’s also important to meet most of your own needs too. It’s up to us to make ourselves feel good. Friends can lend a hand, but it’s important to prioritise our own well-being too. Here are some steps you can take:
- Find Hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy, like drawing, playing a sport, or reading. This can give you a sense of achievement and happiness.
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This can help you understand your emotions better and find ways to address them.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and improve your mood.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. Even a short walk or a fun dance session can make a difference.
- Self-Care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and doing things that make you feel good, like taking a bath or listening to your favourite music.
- Set Goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself in different areas of your life, and work towards them. This can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Here are some suggestions:
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Academic Goals: Spend 30 minutes studying every day for a specific upcoming test or exam.
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Health and Fitness Goals:
- Drink 8 glasses of water every day for a week.
- Take a 15-minute walk outside every day.
- Replace one unhealthy snack with a healthier option each day for a week.
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Social Goals:
- Initiate a conversation with a new classmate or peer each week.
- Attend a club meeting or social event at school at least once a month.
- Invite a friend to hang out outside of school at least once a month.
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Personal Development Goals:
- Practice a new hobby or skill for 30 minutes every day.
- Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation for 10 minutes every day.
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Organisational Goals:
- Clean and organise your study area or bedroom once a week.
- Create a weekly schedule or to-do list and stick to it.
- Declutter one area of your living space each weekend.
Setting and achieving these small goals can provide you with a sense of purpose and satisfaction as you make progress in different areas of your life.
Desiring connection with close friends isn’t clingy at all; it’s perfectly normal. Having honest conversations with your current friends and making new ones can help you feel more supported. Making new friends is a valuable life skill to keep working on, and don’t forget to spend time being your own best friend. Treating yourself with kindness will naturally attract others to you.
I hope the above has been helpful and if you’d like more resources or if there is anything else you’d like to share with us, please do. We’re here to listen to you, your feelings are valid and you matter!
Take care,
CoolBreeze =)
Ahahaha
It is clingy behaviour
But to me it’s normal cuz i’m clingy oof
You seem to be someone who appreciates your friends. And they prolly make you happy alot that’s why you wanna constantly be around them.
Being close to them might be your coping mechanism even. I think you deserve to be given attention especially from your buddies cuz birds of a feather flock together am i ritee
You aren’t much of a yandere, more of like an innocent lonely bird. It’s so cute and I think the problem is you dont tell them. You have to tell them you feel lonely without them. They’d either make fun of you or understand you. 2 different types of friends. But when you are being heard you’d feel happy and valued. So you should speak your heart out.
I for one wouldnt know if someone feels this way unless they…tell me. You have to say it, (based on personal experience) else you’re just gonna keep worrying for no reason!!
You’ll get through this i know it for sure