Feeling Left Out When Friends Socialize Without Me

hey, i think the best thing for you to do is bring it up to those friends in a way where you are transparent with them and are asking them for grace in recognizing that you have this anxiety. i have this all the time, too, that my friends would dump me and leave for other relationships that they have. i think it's a complicated mix of fear of loneliness, jealousy, loyalty, or desire to be loved. i think part of learning to grow and quell that anxiety comes from a bit of introspection and telling yourself that if they are real friends, they will not leave you to be alone. meditating on that and learning to believe it might take time, but it's true! i'm certain that those relationships they have with you mean so much more and are so much stronger than whatever stressors you fear might pull you guys apart on a whim. you are loved, and you are worth it, OP. i hope you only make even stronger bonds with your friends down the line ♡

I completely get where you’re coming from. I grew up with two older siblings and I always felt left out growing up with them that it caused me some child trauma so now I’m super aware when I’m in a group setting. If they’re people I feel comfortable bringing up to them. I’ll explain to them how I’m more sensitive in group setting when I’m in the background cuz I start feeling left out or that I can’t contribute with them and if they are really understanding why I feel left out. Tell them how they can keep you included. Like taking turns taking pictures of the group, or making sure those people introduce you to a new friend. Hope that helps! ❤️

😥 I'm sorry you're going through that. I wish I had advice. I hope everything works out