I'm done with social interaction

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pensieve
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14 Mar 2010, 12:47 am

Group social interaction that is. All I do is sit there, look up (as in above the heads of others) and stim.
There's no point to it anymore. And all it does is make me feel depressed and angry that I can't be like my NT friends.


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DudeFromVA
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14 Mar 2010, 3:11 am

pensieve wrote:
...all it does is make me feel depressed and angry that I can't be like my NT friends.


I totally know how this feels. I felt this all while growing up. I prayed, begged to be "normal". I found out though as I got older that no one is "normal"...there is no "normal". Everyone has problems of some sort. The rich, perfect, popular kids...they have problems (trust me).

But don't cut yourself off from the world. I did that, have done that. I had just one friend...now none. It isn't fun. At first you will think "ah, all to myself". Then you will begin craving someone, anyone to talk to. Humans, no matter who they are, strive for conversation, a connection with someone. It keeps us sane.

So, while it is tough, and I know it is tough, start out with one close friend but don't limit to one friend. Then when you feel safe, go to two. Then three. Then four. But make it people you trust, feel safe with and people who understand you. Then after a couple friends, branch out to other people, just say "Hi, I'm [insert name here], how are you?" and take it from there. Have your friends nearby in case you need to quickly go back into your comfort zone.

Over time, you will find that you will be talking to someone you haven't a clue who they are and having a great time, waaay outside your comfort zone...but whether you'll know it or not, you will be in your new comfort zone.

But always remember your original friends as you get more. Please.

It will be tough at first, but keep trying. Take a break for now, but get back out there in a week with one of your close friends and start building.

Trust me, if will do wonders for you, your self-esteem and make you feel great.



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14 Mar 2010, 6:07 am

pensieve wrote:
Group social interaction that is. All I do is sit there, look up (as in above the heads of others) and stim.
There's no point to it anymore. And all it does is make me feel depressed and angry that I can't be like my NT friends.


Group interaction is pretty rough. I prefer focusing on one person at a time, unless it's a small, tight group.


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pensieve
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14 Mar 2010, 7:43 am

Thing is I don't have any friends in my hometown, I travel between 1-3 hrs to see them, so the journey puts a bit more pressure on me.
I think I will take a short break. Work is going to keep me from going out. I already had to sell someone a ticket I bought to see one of my favourite bands. I'm not too upset about missing out on them.
I'm not to keen on making new friends. I've had the same friends for about 5 years, and have made a few more but I'm not really fussed about meeting people. I don't hang out with them or talk to them on the phone. It's usually to meet up at a gig, have a few drinks and have a chat about absolutely nothing.
I find it all so stressful and group conversations are 20 times worse. I suppose I did go to a wedding reception where everyone knew each other. Then they proceeded to party on from 5-9:30, some didn't come back until midnight. And they kept me up. I could have had a meltdown right there in bed.


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CockneyRebel
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14 Mar 2010, 8:30 am

I was done with social interaction, my second year of high school. I didn't have anything in common with my peers, and I wasn't going to pretend to be like them, when I wasn't. I was like that, from 1990, until late 1998. I've come a long way, since than, and I have a group of good NT friends who really accept me and care about me.

I hope that things get easier for you. :)


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