&gt;  Everyone already has their own childhood friends, family, support group that they have built themselves around their whole lives and grew up with. To them, I am just another &#x27;colleague&#x27; or &#x27;fellow member of X and Y group&#x27;, and I know our friendships will never go past a certain level.<p>I think you are misinterpreting the local culture.<p>If they are in their 20&#x27;s then their friendship networks are still quite young and are being created, perhaps you are not understanding your value and potential to the group.<p>Deep friendships though are just about time and random events. That&#x27;s why it&#x27;s good to have diverse acquaintances -&gt; friendships -&gt; deep friendships.