I want to start by saying I understand things take time. I’ve met some good people in AA but I wouldn’t say I’ve met anyone I can call a friend. Perhaps some of you can relate with your local groups but it certainly can feel like high school again with social clicks. Be assertive, engage with people and strike up conversation doesn’t always work. You have several young individuals who have gone through rehab, sober housing and the ups and downs of sobriety together that even a personable and down to earth newcomer can’t quite seem to vibe with the group. I make the effort to reach out but countless times the conversation is uncomfortable as if they have 100 other things on their mind ( they just might) and I’m standing there like a tree, slowly backing my way out of a circle that felt forced to begin with. lol I’m in sales and talk with people daily and while I’m going on this rant I will say at 31 years old, it’s a lot easier to strike up conversation with older members but I’d like to think I can meet new friends with people within my age group. On a more positive note, none of this is going to trigger me to drink or stop going to meetings. My main point is despite our best efforts, connecting with other alcoholics and addicts can be difficult despite the cohesive community AA offers. Of course I’ve had great connections and conversations but to be honest they’re short lived. I’m not sure if I’m missing something here but cmon man, how nice it would be just to meet a few new friends as I continue my journey of sobriety. Thank you for listening and happy holidays 
Yes...it can be awkward and frustrating. If you want to be a part of instead of apart from:
Volunteer for a job in the group...Coffee make, setup person, greeter, literature person, intergroup rep,....there are a multitude of functions that need doing. Ask during your share if there is something you can contribute. "A closed mouth don't get fed".
Many people come to AA to get; get sober, get friends, get a spouse (or the law) off their back..those folks don't stay.
If you want to get the most out of AA:
Give. Give your time. Give your energy. And most importantly, give your undivided attention to someone in greater need than yourself.
That's how you get in AA.
Oh, and those old timers who's attention you don't value? Those are the folks you really want to have a relationship with. One of them might just save your life.