People

[oobydoobie]

Sometimes i feel lonely but sometimes/often socialising seems like too much effort .

[Dovahkiin]

I know that feeling Ooby (((hugs))) xxxx

[oobydoobie]

I think it's because i find the whole mechanics/unwritten rules of social interaction hard to grasp coupled with low drive and motivation.

[umbrella4therain]

I can relate as I feel the same. social contact can be draining especially if you are not practiced at it and it isnt something that comes naturally. My social difficulties were previously attributed to avoidant personality disorder but aspergers is the latest estimation. whatever the cause, it is hard and a tricky one to overcome. Most people see spending time with friends as relaxing but it exhausts me as I try to analyse every angle and struggle to interpret the situation whilst overcome with a large dose of anxiety and self doubt. However it isnt that I dont want to have friends although sometimes I question if it is actually worth it. xxx

[oobydoobie]

Interacting with family and other people with severe mental illness takes the least out of me and is the least threatening.
40 years on from being bullied as a teenager, for being socially awkward, i am still wary of other people and expect the worst from them.

[loubat]

I find most people seem to be from a different planet to me ooby so your not alone the small percent I can engage with are mainly from here and can only do so as It's not face to face,I find it very hard to do "small talk" or start a conversation a lot to do with being an introvert. Also being told by theropist that from a personality test I did I come into the 1% of the over all popularity which makes me feel even more of an out sider and alone. Socially its very hard to interact with people when you have been bullied as the trust has to be built but please don't feel alone as your not a lot of people share your views much love Lou xxx

[toxicmind]

is it the setting that makes you awkward or are you more comfortable with people who have the same interests as you? i have been in a crowd of 20.000+ and im not awkward take me to a party and im a fish out of water i think sometimes it can be the situation rather than people.

[oobydoobie]

I do feel better if the conversation is centred round something i know about.

[toxicmind]

what interests do you have ? you don't need to answer if your uncomfortable with that.. maybe it would be more useful to you to join a group that you have a interest in

[judithj]

I find socialising very difficult too and tiring: there are about 4 days in the week when I see friends or support worker (the same friends, not different ones), then I need at least one day in bed to recover, sometimes 2 days. even socialising with the cats can be difficult at times, hugs, Judith xxx