It’s Okay Not to Have a “Friend Group”- Seriously

By Sophia Wheway

You know that moment when someone asks, “So who’s your friendship group?” and your brain just… bluescreens? Because your real answer is something like: “Uhh… I have two amazing friends and a girl from work I send TikToks to?”

Yeah. That’s normal. And honestly? It’s more than enough.

Somewhere along the way, the internet convinced us that friendship only “counts” if it comes in a group chat with a cute name, coordinated birthday dinners, and seven people in vaguely matching outfits. But life isn’t an episode of Outer Banks. And your worth isn’t measured by headcount.

1. “Friend groups” aren’t the default - they’re just the aesthetic

Social media makes squads look like the standard. In reality, most adults don’t have a big group. People move cities, switch jobs, outgrow old dynamics, or keep friendships in separate lanes. Half the time, those iconic groups you see online are stitched together for the photo.Your friendships don’t need to be symmetrical or packaged. They just need to be real.

2. A couple of solid people > ten lukewarm acquaintances

Think about the friendships that actually hold you. The person who knows your family drama without needing a flowchart. The one who hypes you up in ALL CAPS. The one who says “home safe?” at 1:12am.

Those individual, deep connections are often stronger, and healthier than trying to maintain a group dynamic that constantly shifts, splits, and reforms like a reality TV alliance.

3. You’re allowed to be a “floater”

Some people thrive as part of a big collective. Others drift between circles, picking up different types of friends from different parts of life. Neither is wrong.

You can have:

• A gym friend

• A work bestie

• A childhood friend

• A uni friend you trauma-bonded with during a group project

• And maybe a sibling you're actually kind of obsessed with?

That is a friendship ecosystem. It just doesn’t come with a group chat name.

4. You’re not “missing out” your life just looks different

Having a friend group is not a personality trait. Not having one is not a flaw. It’s just… how your life is structured right now. And the beautiful thing? Your friendships can shift. New seasons bring new people. Or maybe you stay a two-person power duo forever. Both are iconic.

5. The real flex? Being secure in the connections you have

The goal isn't to collect bodies to fill a dinner table - it’s to feel supported, understood, and loved in whatever shape that support arrives. A couple of good friends can give you that just as much as a group of seven. Honestly, sometimes more.

Bottom line: You’re not behind. You’re not lacking. Your friendships don’t need to look like anyone else’s to be valid.

And if anyone tries to make you feel weird about not having a “group”?

Just smile, sip your iced latte, and remember: you’ve got your people - even if they don’t all know each other.