I’m afraid your need for validation contributes to the red flags you think you are seeing. They are attached to you. Your needs may contribute to doubts and suspicions. I’ve had depression. It’s a bitch, always criticizing you causing unjustified self depredation, constantly in need of validation, and never thinking you are getting it, thus causing you to doubt the authenticity of “friends “.
I wish you well, but the UFO subject I also know well and it is heavily influenced by Trickster elements, not your fault or that of your friends. UFOs can not meet your needs. Only a dose of spiritual reality can do that.
Search and you will find.