Eliza Becker, 27, from Wollongong, recently shared a video on social media. We're arguing what she calls “Girlhood Fomo.”
Even if she posts clip In a moment of vulnerability, she was amazed at the overwhelming responses from thousands of women whose experiences resonated with her.
It shows that she is not alone, and the sad phenomenon has overwhelmingly surprised women in their 30s.
“It was a Friday night, and I ended up a really busy week with work. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, hoping to meet friends, have a drink and relax. There was,” she told news.com.au.
“I sent messages to some friends and they were all busy and my partner was out, which made me a bit disappointed.
“I often feel this way. It's become like this myself – I'm totally fine – but it's at this time when you're grateful to the company.”
Core Friend Group Illusion
Friendships in your 20s and 30s friend Or Instagram highlights a reel of a colleague's weekend summaries.
“As a girl, I think it often makes me believe we need a group,” Becker says. “We're always told about the importance of 'girliness' and the solid circle of friends to talk about life's problems and relationships.”
“The media plays a role in this, but I think it's often misinterprets the message. They showcase the best parts, such as parties, brunch, fun times, shopping, etc., but in reality, the situation is There must be argument, jealous, bitterness. It's not all sun and rainbow.
“So, sometimes I feel like I'm missing these connections and memories, but I have to wonder if it's really something I need or if it's projected onto me by others.”
Becker described himself as a high school “floater.”
Now she has a handful of close friends she has met through common interests such as sports and travel, rather than part of a singular “girl gang.”
Overall, she said she was happy with this but couldn't shake up the feeling of missing something.
Why is it so difficult to make friends in your 20s?
Rachel Harker, clinical psychologist and founder of soon-to-be-launch friendship and dating apps; tribesays this feeling is very common among women navigating adults.
“A life transition, such as career change, relationships, and urban migration, can disrupt traditional friendship structures and leave many women feeling disconnected and isolated,” Harker said. I've explained it.
“Unlike classic FOMO, which is to miss an event, girlfriend FOMO runs deeper and social media plays a role in this.”
A curated feed for girls' trips, lunch dates, or group selfies can enhance exclusion and loneliness, and may cause a sense of being outsider or missing out, she said .
She also said loneliness is not just an emotional challenge, it is also a health crisis.
“Young adults are most affected, and there are studies showing that chronic loneliness is just as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” Harker said.
2023, World Health Organization He said that he declared himself lonely was a violent global health threat similar to smoking, and that the pandemic only exacerbated the problem.
Statistically, young adults are the most affected by loneliness.
According to Australian Statistics Bureaureported that one in four people aged 15-24 years old felt lonely in 2022, compared to less than one in five of those aged 35 and older.
Finding connections in adulthood
“I think the problem of struggling to make friends is a global phenomenon,” Becker recalls. “I lived in London and I was similar. Everyone has an established group. Many people feel the need to introduce new people or the same desire to meet new people. I don't have it.
“A lot of it comes down to humility. You need one friend to invite new people to dinner, go out for walks, and include them in their activities for new friendships and connections.”
She says that if people understand this issue a little more and are more open to making the first move without worrying about being turned down, then making new friends would make “more” easier. I believe it is.
“A lot of the people around us follow the flow of others who are not in perfect alignment personally, so I think it's difficult for real people to find their place.”
Becker admits that she is still trying to understand what she will look like in her future friendship and social life, but she knows what she wants from her friends.
“I want to connect with my people – people who are easy to be around, really caring, and genuine,” she concludes.
For those experiencing FOMO of femininity, she offers one piece of advice. Enjoy your own company first and always fill the cup before burying others.
“Someone commented on the video. 'Rejection is protection. Enjoy loneliness' – I liked it. ”
