Reasons for not wanting to make friends and not wanting to make new friends

The unwillingness to make new friends may be a manifestation of personal personality preferences or psychological states, usually related to factors such as introverted personality, social anxiety, past trauma, inadequate environmental adaptability, and low self-worth. Introverted individuals enjoy solitude more, while those with social anxiety fear being evaluated. Traumatic experiences may lead to trust disorders, and adapting to new environments takes time. Low self-worth can weaken social confidence.

1. Introverted personality

Introverted individuals recover energy through solitude, while social activities consume a significant amount of energy. This group of people is not lacking in social skills, but rather has a greater need for deep communication, and superficial pleasantries can make them feel exhausted. Introverted personality is related to genes and neurotransmitter secretion characteristics in the brain, and belongs to normal psychological traits rather than defects.

2. Social anxiety

creates a sustained fear of social situations, fearing negative evaluations or embarrassment. Physiological reactions such as accelerated heartbeat and hand tremors may occur, which can lead to avoidance behavior in severe cases. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help adjust catastrophizing thinking, and gradual exposure training can reduce sensitivity.

3. Past trauma

has experienced incidents of friendship betrayal, campus bullying, or social humiliation, forming a psychological defense mechanism. Traumatic memory activates threat warnings in the amygdala of the brain, leading to conditioned avoidance. The reconstruction of a secure relationship takes a long time, and psychological counseling can handle emotional memory.

4. Environmental adaptation

Cultural differences, language barriers, or unfamiliarity with group rules can increase social pressure. Immigrants and transfer students need several months of adaptation period, during which they may exhibit temporary social withdrawal. Observing and learning local social etiquette and seeking transitional social support can help alleviate symptoms.

5. Self value

Long term negative self-evaluation can lead to pessimistic social expectations, believing that others will reject oneself. May be accompanied by a tendency towards perfectionism, magnifying small mistakes into overall negation. By recording advantages and accumulating small successful experiences, gradual improvement can be achieved. Improving social avoidance can start with low stress scenarios, such as online communication in interest groups, and gradually transition to short-term offline contact. Regular exercise can regulate stress hormones, and intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain emotional stability. There is no need to force oneself to meet the standards of extroversion, finding a comfortable social rhythm is more important. If accompanied by persistent low mood or physical discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional psychological assessment.