Dear Harlan,

I have a lot of trouble making friends. I feel like I screwed up my chances to form good, strong friendships in college. Since all my closest friends will be going abroad this fall, I feel like I'll be all alone this coming semester. I have trouble having meaningful friendships. No matter how hard I try, I feel like I end up being the last person on people's minds. I feel jealous of my brother, who effortlessly makes good friendships as opposed to me, who, try as I might, turns people off or away from me. I'm in my early 20s now and I don't really know if I'll be able to make good friendships anymore.

Lonely And Far Away

Dear Lonely And Far Away,

If you make one good new friend at age 25 and live to be 100, that's 75 years of friendship. So, you have plenty of time to make new friends. Now that you can relax, call this the "ME" year. Do something that will help you meet new people. Find a part-time job, take on a leadership role or volunteer in a busy place on campus. Avoid depending on invitations to meet people. At the same time, feed your soul. Pick an interest and dive in. This time with yourself is golden. Before you know it, you'll be married, have a job, a family and little time for you. Revel in the moment. As for your brother, he might have a lot of friends, but they might not be long-lasting.