How do I stop feeling so lonely if I'm the only girl in my friendship group?

For many of us, making and retaining close friendships can be a difficult process. That's especially true when it feels like you're the only girl in your core group of friends. When surrounded by other men, getting close to someone can seem impossible — but there are ways to start connecting with people, even if you think that this friendship group isn't the ideal place to do it.

First, it's important to connect with yourself. Take some time to assess how you're feeling, and consider what kind of relationships you think would be right for you. It can be helpful to reflect on why you feel so alone in this group of friends. Is it because you don't share the same interests? Or is it because they don't make any effort to make you feel included in the conversation? Once you can understand where these feelings stem from, you can start to figure out how to address them.

The next step is to reach out. If you're the only girl in your friendship group, there's no need to be afraid to ask for help. Considerward asking your male friends if they know of any other female friends in your area who might be a good fit for your group. There's no shame in making the connection and building a bridge between your current group and another. In doing so, you can start to build a sense of community and support that could help make that group more inclusive.

The best way to combat feelings of loneliness is also to find new activities that excite you and make you feel like you belong somewhere. Look for hobbies or clubs that focus on things you're passionate about and engage with them. Making an effort to build relationships within these circles can slowly chip away at the feelings of isolation and help you find like-minded women.

It's important to remember to practice self-care. This can take many forms, such as exercise, reading, journaling, yoga, meditation, or something as simple as taking a warm bubble bath and practicing mindfulness. Whatever you decide to do, the goal is to strengthen yourself and give yourself space to grow and thrive in areas of your life that make you want to be there.

Sometimes when our primary friendships are lacking, it can be easy to forget that we are in control of our own experiences — and it's okay to ask for help and do things that spark joy. Although it may take some trial and error to pinpoint what works best for you, there are always ways to make meaningful connections and feel less alone. So keep going, and soon you'll feel that your friendships are a positive force in your life.