This article struck a huge nerve with me. As you know we have had a similar journey.

I have been where I am for almost 2 years and I have next to no friends. I have 1 person I walk with roughly once a month and a few associates.

I have learned to become ok with this. My books, my writing, my running - these are all my friends. Like you, i have friends back home. This has also been a time to learn to be my own best friend.

Do not feel ashamed or bad about this. It sounds like there are things both of us could do to rectify our lack of friends. But like you, I am really fussy in who I give my time to these days.

My partner and I went out for dinner with 2 of his friends - a husband and wife. I came away wishing I hadn't gone. She did not stop for air! She didn't let anyone in the conversation. I stopped even asking questions (which I felt rude doing), but she needed no encouragement and she was hogging the conversation so much she didn't need encouraged. A few times i tried to bring something to the table and she just over rode me. It was exhuasting. She then invited me to something else. There was no danger I was going to spend any more time in her company! Especially not just the 2 of us!

I would rather spend time with myself than in the wrong energy. Please don't feel that your lack of a tribe is any reflection on you. By the sounds of it, you have many riches out there.

And... you have your Medium tribe! :-)