Having experienced similar feelings, I can relate deeply to the struggle of always being the one to ask others to hang out. It can be emotionally exhausting and disheartening to feel like you're the only one making an effort to maintain friendships. Even when we grow and try to move past these feelings, that inner desire for a genuine connection—someone who chooses you without prompting—remains strong. One thing I learned over time is the importance of focusing on building quality relationships rather than the quantity of friends. It helped me to join groups or activities where people share my interests, which naturally led to friendships that didn't require constant outreach from my side. Also, communicating openly about these feelings with others sometimes dissolved misunderstandings and brought surprising support. If you find yourself in this situation, try to balance initiating plans with waiting for invitations as well. Sometimes, others might not realize how you feel or might be caught up in their own lives. Surrounding yourself with empathetic people who appreciate your efforts makes a world of difference. Remember, wanting a best friend is a universal feeling, and while it might feel gut-wrenching at times, you’re not alone in your experience.