Why is making friends so difficult?

Everyone always says "Be yourself," but being myself has only ever made me more lonely. I try to mask who I am, and I make friends for a short period of time, but eventually I can't do it anymore and they see the real me and don't want to be my friend anymore.

Other times, people think they can change me and try to be my friend, but when they realise I can't be fixed, they leave. It's a stupid cycle and I hate it. It makes me never want to try to make friends again, because no matter what I do, they leave.

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SW-User

The unfortunate truth is that 'being yourself' will keep you isolated and the friends who stay will be real.
People with hoards of friends have a way of being two faced with each other.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@SW-User I don't understand that and it's not fair. I'm not a bad person, I just have some habits that are strange, but it doesn't effect anyone else but me. I wish it was different.

SW-User

@Manfredthemanic Most people want their ego stoked. They want to hear compliments and want to be praised and made to feel important.
There is very little care to know the other person deep down. Those kind of friends come few and far between. Still, I'd rather have those than be surrounded by fakery.
I wish you didn't wish you were different to fit groups of people who don't care anyway.

Fluffybull · F

@Manfredthemanic Putting on a "false front" will make you feel lonely in the long run because you'll never be sure if people see the "real you" or just like the "false you". I found it hard making friends when I was young especially as a lot of kids can be ignorant and cruel. It got easier as I got a bit older.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@Fluffybull Everyone keeps telling me that, but what if it doesn't get better?