Is it really harder to find true, meaningful friendships (not romantic and/or sexual) in more ‘adult’ years or is this an introverts problem? I am quite introverted at first, I would never just start a friendly conversation with a stranger and work friends usually are just work friends. I moved to UK in 2019 and since then I had few different jobs and connected with people from work, but none of them wanted to stay in touch outside work. I was a bit confused, as I thought those people enjoyed my company as much I did theirs. Not even sure if this is maybe a cultural thing? I grew up in Poland and Eastern European people are more direct than British, so you know straight away of they like you or not. What are your experiences? How do you deal with meeting new people?
I think you are spot on about the convenience.
One of the most effective ways to build social relationships is to be a regular somewhere. Could be a bar, cafe, park, library, front yard, walking route, gym, or a more organized hobby group. Just be a familiar face and appear at least once a week (more is better). Something local to you is going to make the barrier to getting off the couch and being at your regular spot all the lower, to make sure you’re sticking with it.
If there isn’t something near you that feels like the “right fit” for you to spend your time, it’s a worthy goal to put in the work to make it that way.