Are your mid 30s the loneliest years? Does it get worse?

The title basically… I’m 35 in two weeks and have what most would consider a pretty successful life. Beautiful wife, home and as of this year my first born who is the light of my life. We both have great jobs and spend a lot of our time working. Outside of work I have hobbies like cycling and cooking that keep me excited about every weekend. The house these days is also never quiet.

That said, it doesn’t feel like I have any adult male friends. Like at all. I have a lot of old friends that are distant memories and try to keep up with but it feels like even those folks are less likely to respond these days. I text and call at but the conversations fizzle out quickly and feel forced. I am extroverted and make a lot of friends at work easily but I work from home and have noticed even old work friends feel like acquaintances these days. I have some bike friends but it’s harder to coordinate rides with them so I end up riding alone most days.

So… I guess I am wondering if we’re all in this boat or if I’m doing something wrong. I know many people feel like happiness is a gauge of the quality of relationships in your life and noticing how that is dwindling makes me wonder if it will ever get better. Do I need to put more effort into making new friends?

Especially wondering what others who wfh or are new dads are dealing with. Thanks!