You’re obviously quite gifted at the art of community-making, no small feat. But if you’re running the party, you don’t always get the benefit of the party. Being more strategic and focused won’t narrow your social group but could elevate some of those casual acquaintances to the level of friends.

I don’t think my social skills are appalling, people do seem to like me. And I don’t resent my acquaintances spending time together without me, I just wonder what I’m missing. Am I expecting too much from friendships as an adult?

I am one of many lonely adults struggling to make close friends. It’s never come easy for me, and it’s compounded by the fact that I’m an introvert who works from home part time with three small children,