I worked on a boat in the middle of the ocean for many years. I&#x27;ve been grounded for the last few years and tried to make friends. The experiment has been a massive waste of time and energy. I did so much for so many people trying to be nice and helpful and got so little in return. From an economic point of view, I&#x27;m completely self reliant and don&#x27;t need anything from anyone else. I invested so much in other people and I got nothing back.<p>There is one case where I watched some guy&#x27;s dog for a weekend, took someone else&#x27;s boat into the ocean to save him when his engine died, helped him move all this uncles&#x27; stuff after the uncle committed suicide, go drinking with him downtown even though I didn&#x27;t want to go out, ect.. I moved into a new apartment and needed help putting up new blinds. He kept making excuses to not help me even though he is a contractor. From now on, I don&#x27;t help other people. I work, make money, and if I need help, I&#x27;ll pay a stranger. I&#x27;m fine with that.<p>I&#x27;ve grown convinced it is a myth that we need friends.