That all plays out, but I think there is more. For example, in school, you're not competing with anyone. You and everyone else are like brothers in arms, strugg

That all plays out, but I think there is more. For example, in school, you're not competing with anyone. You and everyone else are like brothers in arms, struggling to get through the same challenges. At work, you compete with your colleagues. You compete for the jobs, the roles, the positions. When you struggle through challenges with others, like in school, that's already a great way to relate and bond. When you compete with others like at work, you can't be close, you need to play smart, don't goof around, be serious, present yourself to others always with your strongest and smartest stance. Then you mention parties, ya you can go to a party as an adult, though they're rarer. That said, you have less incentive. A lot of parties in college are motivated by people looking for romance. Love and attraction plays a huge role in bonding. Ya, even for friendships. I guess it goes to ask, what are the ingredients to a deep relationship? For me, it has always involved being vulnerable, showing my true colors, being goofy, trying things, failing, struggling, making a breakthrough, succumbing to my desires, being playful, etc. If you manage to do all that with someone else, and grow comfortable, and feel safe. That will be a deep and meaningful relationship. Grown up work life seems conductive to none of those things.