Arabic version: استكشاف تأثير التنمر المستمر على صداقات البالغين

A woman in her late 30s reflects on her struggles to make friends, attributing her difficulties to a history of bullying during her teenage years. According to The Guardian, her experiences have left her feeling insecure and unlikable, impacting her ability to form connections in adulthood.

Despite having a supportive husband and a two-year-old son, she recounts feeling isolated when taking her child out, often surrounded by groups of parents. Her past experiences in school, where she faced severe bullying, have contributed to her ongoing anxiety and difficulty in trusting others. Although she has sought help through counseling and anti-anxiety medication, the challenge of forming friendships remains.

The article highlights the commonality of such feelings, noting that many adults struggle with making friends and often feel inadequate when observing others’ social interactions. UKCP psychotherapist Lisa Bruton emphasizes the lasting effects of bullying and the importance of processing these experiences to foster healthier relationships.

Bruton suggests that engaging in mixed-age groups might alleviate the anxiety tied to memories of school. She encourages individuals to seek positive interactions outside of typical social circles, reminding them that they are not ‘faulty’ and that building friendships takes time and effort. The playground, she notes, can be a place for gradual social interactions as children start school, providing opportunities for adults to connect as well.