I’m already 35, and I don’t think I could get anything at this age, especially in an area with almost no third places, almost nonexistent mental health system, etc.
Yes I know, friends do exist, but it’s just not the same (unless you happen to regularly have sex, cuddle, etc. with your friends).
That’s not how cities work.
I see your pain/frustration, but for relationships to work they have to be somewhat optional - there’s no guarantee for romantic relations and once that is established, there’s less frustration, which leaves room for exploring relationships.
I would hazard a guess that they live in USA… significantly sprawled out (with more issues like zoning and lack of public transport) to the point what you’d consider a “real” city would be a road-trip or even a flight away. Even then I’m not so sure with living costs and corporate spaces, often somewhere you visit rather than live in.