It may come easy to others, but with my kind of ambivert personality socializing always seems exhausting and crazy amount of hard work. I always had a hard time in making close friends, but it just never seems to get easier.
You have to constantly talk to others, and take genuine interest in their lives, but can’t do too much of that or else you are clingy.
Better text/call old friends in a while or else they will think you have forgotten about them, but don’t expect them to be able make time for you, or else you will seem desperate.
Always Try to make plans with others in order to have a social life because most of your friends are married with kids, but don’t be hurt when someone doesn’t initiate plans or make plans without you, because that will make you less likeable.
Also always be afraid to say no to plans other are making because they might think you don’t like them and never invite you again.
Also don’t expect people to become friends with you after 1-2 meetings, but outside work, you don’t get even get more chances with others unless you pay to join a club/hobby/activity.
I don’t know how others navigate this mess, but I am exhausted.