The only way to fail life is by ending it too soon. I feel obligated to say that if you’re feeling suicidal that you should contact a hotline or meet with a men

The only way to fail life is by ending it too soon. I feel obligated to say that if you’re feeling suicidal that you should contact a hotline or meet with a mental health expert. You might want to meet with an expert regardless as it could help you work on how you see yourself and the world around you. Normal is a trap. Societal norms are a trap. Don’t worry about what other people your age are doing. Worry about what makes you happy. Period. I’m in my late 30s and I have friends who are still single, friends who are unemployed, and a friend from elementary school who still lives at home with his parents. The thing they all have in common is a positive outlook, an interest in learning, a desire to do the things they enjoy, and to not care what society thinks of them. My single friends travel by themselves because they want to see the world and aren’t going to wait for a partner. My friend who lives with his parents is basically broke and has had a pretty tough life. But he has lots of hobbies and a tiny group of quality friends. I personally try not to let things get in the way of the stuff I enjoy or want to do. Just before the pandemic I went to a concert alone. By my assessment I was the only person there not with a friend. I had a great time seeing a band I really like and dancing all by myself. Maybe I looked silly, but I don’t care. Plus I likely won’t see any of those people again and I’m not important enough for anyone to remember me anyway. Maybe look into joining some in person communities related to things you enjoy. Math and computers are fine communities, but branch out. Some of my good friends are actually people I met a decade ago at the now defunct HN NYC meet up. I actually work for one of those people now. Social situations can be stressful and awkward, but like anything else the more you do it the easier it tends to get. You may not leave every meetup with new contacts but it’s at least a way to have personal interactions and spend some time talking about things you are interested in or are passionate about. But you do have to put yourself out there. Another comment suggested some public speaking programs, do one those to help get over some of the social anxieties. You don’t sound like a failure in life. It sounds like you are just craving a bit more from yours. I know it’s not easy, but try putting yourself out there by doing some of the things you enjoy. If that list is short, do some hobby experimenting. Take a group painting class, join a bowling league, take a cooking class, learn to surf, etc. You never know what you’ll discover or who you’ll meet along the way. I’ll help get things started… My email is in my profile. Let’s chat one night or I’ll teach you how to play Settlers of Catan if you've never played. Edit: spelling fixes