Yes, it is possible for someone to face difficulties in making friends even if they have been perceived as friendly and outgoing throughout their life. Several factors could contribute to this situation:
Life Transitions: As people grow older, their social circles may change due to various life transitions such as moving to a new city, changing jobs, or experiencing significant life events. These changes can disrupt existing friendships and make it challenging to form new connections.
Busy Lifestyle: Adult life often comes with increased responsibilities, such as career demands, family commitments, and other obligations, which can leave individuals with less time and energy to invest in forming new friendships.
Social Anxiety: Despite being perceived as friendly and outgoing, some individuals may struggle with social anxiety. They might have a hard time initiating conversations, feeling comfortable in group settings, or fear rejection, making it difficult for them to establish new friendships.
High Standards: As people mature, their expectations for friendships may change. They might seek deeper, more meaningful connections and have higher standards for the qualities they look for in friends, making it more challenging to find like-minded individuals.
Changes in Interests: Over time, people's interests and hobbies may evolve, leading them to seek out new social circles that align better with their current passions. This shift can result in a temporary gap in forming new friendships.
Lack of Opportunities: In some cases, individuals may simply not have many opportunities to meet new people, especially if they have a limited social or professional network.
Emotional Barriers: Previous negative experiences, such as betrayal or loss of trust in friendships, can create emotional barriers that hinder individuals from forming new close connections.
Communication Skills: Although someone may be friendly and outgoing, they may lack the necessary social skills or depth in communication to build lasting and meaningful friendships.
It's important to remember that making friends as an adult can be more challenging than during younger years, but it's not impossible. It may require more effort, persistence, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Joining clubs, social events, or online communities related to one's interests can provide opportunities to meet like-minded people. Additionally, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can help address any social anxiety or emotional barriers that might be impacting one's ability to form new friendships.