Why is it so hard to make genuine friendships as an adult?

I think that's because so many seem to have changed these days. We have learned not to trust each other as a result of scammers, trolls, you name it, it has affected our society. So many changes took place when covid hit. It made everyone want to isolate themselves from everyone else. That did have an effect on our psyche. We learned that we cannot even trust our government. It had a domino effect so everyone is more or less isolating themselves from others and hiding behind tablets and cell phones. This is not a Brave New World but a strange new world and that's sad. No one wants to take the chance anymore of getting messed over.

Social media is their first thought after family to building friendships plus add in all those who prefer to work at home and that makes it even more difficult.

I think one reason is; it's hard for people to become friends with themselves - with their own Inner Being. It takes a willingness to look at one's own soul, and most people aren't willing to do that. And, any relationship you have with someone else, is the relationship you have with yourself that you, then, share with others.

Like you said, people dont take the time to invest in others and get to know them.

Many people have well established friendships by the time they are middle-aged and they aren't always wanting more. I think it is still possible if you just be yourself and get out to meet people doing similar things or in groups that interest you. Even online friendships can be fulfilling.

People’s walls go up the more they get burned by others. They stop trying because they are skeptical of people and don’t have a lot of trust left or interest in being hurt by someone new. Most of us have been damaged more by friends and family than we ever were by enemies.

Everyone is fake nowadays

People across the board are withdrawing from in person social contacts. Most old timey groups where people used to get together regularly are in decline and are not being replaced with anything. I think this has a lot to do with the issue.

It's hard I think. Most ppl are married and they care only for their families or don't have time

I wish it was easier
I have none

If it is not unconditional love, the relationship/friendship needs to be complimentary, i.e. both should make each other complete. Both should contribute something in the relationship. It will not survive if only one person contributes, and other one has nothing to offer to the first one.

Expectations

Many of us have been burned too many times. We also have children that take up much of our time. If you have a spouse then its difficult to be friends with the opposite sex.

I know what you mean. The "investing" part takes time and effort and for some reason many seem incapable of thinking about anyone but themselves.

People generally live shallow lives. Or they already have close friend groups and wouldn't have the time. Those are the two main reasons I have found.

People aren't supposed to stay in your life forever, you have to get comfortable with people coming and going.

It took me forever to embrace that fact.

Problems with time, but also this: by being more experienced in life we have soon our hesitations about new people we met.

As we grow older priorities change, people change, life is struggle. However I wouldn't mind making friends if they are kind. 🙂

When we're young we just talk to people. As we get older we don't as easily. That's it.

We've become shallow. I might be guilty of some of that myself.

Everyone so independent. No one needs anybody any more

Says who

I have no issues making friends, never did

I have people that I know. That good enough.

Mhmm good question…. Maybe life gets in the way

I Agree

You gotta be lucky to have genuine friends and even family. Its not something you are born with.

I have no problem🌞