This sentiment seems to be common among my circle. In fact the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey revealed a long-term decline in social connectedness that has only worsened since the pandemic, with many Australians seeing a decline in friendships, particularly men aged 24–44 and women aged 15–24. In the horrible pyramid of late-capitalism needs, maintaining and valuing your friendships often falls depressingly low beneath “having a job and paying rent”. If I had a nickel every time I’ve had to let friends down the past year because I’ve been doing job interviews or the interminable tasks that seem to go with them, I’d have so many that I wouldn’t have to keep applying for jobs.