I feel really misplaced in this conversation. People like me, and I make friends really easily. I'm either the entertainer or everyone's dad. Trouble is, I am in a phase of disinterest and distrust with people. Tired of being second best, the bloke in reserve, and good enough to be entertaining or reliable, but not enough to be cared about.
So, from being very active on the social scene, I am down to just two friends, largely because they wouldn't go away. An alcoholic and one with autism. We have the same conversation on every occasion we meet.
Within the local community, I get asked a lot to join things, help out, etc. The local church is forever pressing, despite me being openly atheist. But, it reinforces the feeling of "Good old Col will sort everything."
One thing I can say for sure, is that I don't have anyone who asks how I am, and wants to listen, least not to an honest answer.
Am I friendless, no, I have my dog. We walk, I talk, she ***** on things. Sometimes I do it, and blame the dog, she's supportive like that.
Ultimately, I am drawn between wanting new friends, and joining a monastery far-far away. The first option requires trust and effort, both of which I am out of. The latter option requires the buggering of chiorboys, and I think there's more chance of me actually believing in Trump being the reincarnation of God, before that happens.
Possibly best omitted, although we're all "friends" here, right?
Anyhow, these days when people do start talking "at" me, somewhere in my mind, I'm just thinking what music to play whilst I smash their skull against a wall. Maybe we should compile a top ten list.