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Vectorspace
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02 Jan 2014, 8:47 am

During the past few years, something strange has happened: I'm beoming increasingly bad at being alone.

When I started my studies, I could be alone for months without seeing anyone but the supermarket cashier. Right now, thanks to holidays, I've been alone for less than two days, and I'm already feeling bad because of it.

I'm pretty sure that living alone is good for me because I need to be alone for at least a few hours per day – but it also implies that I'm often alone the entire day, which is not so good.

On a typical weekday, I have at least 4 hours of university lectures, and I spend one hour or longer talking to other students about math. That seems to satisfy my social needs. During the weekend, I usually spend one evening with friends, so I'm not that lonely there, either.

I have experienced loneliness before, and I usually tried talking to people through various Internet media. But I'm not such a popular person, so I usually end up being ignored, or I simply run out of topics to talk about. So I spend a lot of time without really achieving anything. This is why I have kind of given up on making friends online.

I have a few strategies to fight loneliness, like listening to the radio in order to hear some human voices. Video games are sometimes also a distraction. But in the long run, none of these actually make a difference.

I'm wondering: isn't it strange for an Aspie to feel like this? Plus, there are also many NTs who live alone. What do they do to avoid loneliness?



Soccer22
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02 Jan 2014, 9:38 am

I can relate to how you're feeling. But I actually HATE being alone. I'd rather be spending quiet time knowing there is people still in the house instead of actually being completely alone. I don't like hanging out with people BUT I also don't like not being able to talk to someone if I want to. Whenever I can't talk to someone is when I want to talk to someone. I don't know if that makes sense. Basically, I don't like feeling isolated. I like knowing there's still people around if I need someone to talk to.



Marky9
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02 Jan 2014, 3:41 pm

Yes, I can relate. But what usually works for me is that I become absorbed in one of my special interests. That can usually keep me somewhat productively occupied for a few days to get me beyond the holidays or whatever.


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structrix
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14 Jan 2014, 11:54 am

Vectorspace I don't think it's wierd that you want to have some kind of human companionship. I would say that Asperger's people like being alone but do not wish to be LONELY. Human relationships are difficult but it does not meant that you want to just live in your own world by yourself totally cut off from humanity. I think maybe making friends with someone who is not too needy as well would be a good start or someone who does not take offense at a perceived lack of social bubbliness from you.