I (M26) have always been an antisocial person. The truth is, I don't like most people, and I feel uncomfortable around large groups. I'm okay with small talk in small groups, but I rarely want to get too close to anyone.
Now I’m in my third year of college, and a few months ago, I made two friends that I really like (well, I really like one of them; the other is their best friend, and while he’s cool, I’m not as close to him. I don’t dislike him, though). I really want to become close friends with them. Last semester, we talked a lot and even formed groups for some class assignments. However, since they’re not in the same program as me, we don’t share many classes (this semester, we don’t have any). The only time I can spend with them is outside of class. We still talk occasionally, but they’re very sociable people and have started inviting me to hang out with their group of friends. Unfortunately, I don’t like those people and feel very uncomfortable around them.
So here’s my problem: I want to stay close to these two friends, but to do that, I need to tolerate and interact with this other group of people that I don’t like and have nothing in common with (our musical tastes differ, they’re really into music, they like going out a lot, and I’m more of a homebody). I find it really hard to maintain a conversation with them, and I feel like I’m just being awkward because I don’t talk much (I usually don’t have anything to say), which makes the situation awkward for my friends.
I can see that if things continue like this, my friends will eventually stop inviting me to hang out, and we’ll drift apart. I hate that idea. I’m going through a tough time in my life, and being with these friends has become an emotional pillar for me. I really value this friendship, and I’m willing to pretend to like those other guys or do whatever it takes to make them like me so I can be part of the group.
I would really appreciate some advice. Feel free to ask for more details if needed.