Topics Friends & social life

Is it normal to feel really lonely in your 20s?

Mostly.Normal for most people

Yes, feeling lonely in your 20s is common, even when you’re surrounded by people. It’s a time when friendships, routines, and plans can shift a lot, but loneliness doesn’t have to be permanent.

Absolutely. Your 20s can involve big changes—moving, starting work, leaving school, or watching friends head in different directions—and building close, steady connections can take more effort than it used to. Social media can make it look like everyone else has a packed calendar and a built-in crew, which doesn’t help.

Feeling lonely doesn’t mean you’re unlikeable or doing adulthood wrong. Sometimes it helps to make one small, repeatable plan: text someone, try a group or class, or become a regular somewhere. If the loneliness is weighing on you for a long time, telling someone you trust can be a good first step.

People also wonder

  1. Is it normal to be alone at university?Friends & social lifeMostly.
  2. Is it normal to be alone in high school?Friends & social lifeDepends.
  3. Is it normal to be lonely after college?Friends & social lifeYep.
  4. Is it normal to be lonely after high school?Friends & social lifeYep.
  5. Is it normal to be lonely at 16?Friends & social lifeYep.