i’m middle aged and everyone assumes i’m lonely and depressed, but really i’m just not interested in being around people

i have noticed that a lot of people of all ages complain about being “lonely” no matter how much socializing they do. i think there’s this expectation that everyone will connect with everyone and all you need to do to not be lonely is be around someone. because that’s what we look at all day every day on social media and tv and movies—bffs always together always doing adventures and having fun, while we sit here surrounded by annoying people. you’ve been hoodwinked. meaningful friendships take a long time. years, even. regardless of what you see on your insta feed