I’m a 25-year-old guy with a stable job, no major debts, and I’m generally in good health. On paper, everything should feel fine — but lately, I can’t shake this feeling that I’m behind.
Friends are getting married, starting families, buying homes, or traveling the world. Meanwhile, I’m still renting a small apartment, single, and most days just blur together with work and sleep.
I don’t feel miserable, just… stuck. Like I’m not living, just existing.
Is this something other people go through too? How do you deal with this phase without spiraling into self-doubt or comparison?
Any advice would mean a lot.
Comments
Hey buddy! I’m 21 and from a small town, single and just had to move back home because of some roommate issues. Most ppl from my high school are already married with one or two kids here or on the way in a house or an apartment. I relate to you on feeling behind but I promise you, you’re not behind at all. Lately I’ve been reflecting on what I want and the timelines I would like to achieve it, maybe that’s something you should dive into. Try not to focus so much on others perspectives but if you sit down and try to plan out your future, what ages do YOU see yourself getting married (if that’s even what you want in your cards), getting a house (in this economy idk lol) or other big life milestones. I think also taking a small break from social media will help you assess where you wanna be without outside influence.
You are SO young!! Don’t let others dictate where you are in life, you have time to figure stuff out. About thirty years ago it was normal to get married in your thirties, it just depends on your circle and the timelines you want to occur before you get there. If you continue to compare I fear you’ll end up settling for someone you don’t actually want just because you feel like you’re behind.
Yes, because the only thing you are showed on social media are inflated lives showing only the good parts, that took unfairly little effort, and are not showing all the other aspects they neglected.
You compare yourself to the compiled extremes of others. Overall you are ahead.
man i feel this so hard, same boat here honestly.
it’s weird when life looks fine from the outside but inside you’re just kinda floating. truth is you’re not behind you’re just on a different timeline. Don’t let insta lives mess with your head, some people peak later and that’s okay
just keep showing up for yourself that’s what matters fr…
what’s one thing that makes you feel alive lately?