Isolation

[Tinyflame]

It's actually a harder question to answer than it looks. I suppose for me it's a feeling to drop off the world, probably contains if I can sort of describe it, a lot of self-doubt, constricted thinking, avoidance, mistrust, maybe some self-sabotage, & self-loathing, followed by numbness, sadness or disinterest in others, fear reduction. It is a sort of throwing-things-away, or feeling it's required or best to.

 

[Friday]

What would you say to a supporter before you go into, during, and after isolation?

Ideally : Working out what they need/want & what I need/want in advance and then adjusting as necessary* is probably the most useful thing I can say to someone I'm dating. Ideal doesn't always happen. If so? Working out need/wants at the earliest available opportunity.

* Esp when someone hasn't done this before. Until the rubber meets the road, what a person thinks they will need/want, is only that. Thinking, not knowing. Even if they know what they need/want? Situations change. <shrug>

 

[Tinyflame]

I hope it's ok to export this, it was from a thread I asked long ago (not a diary, & not my wisdom but another's):

I don't have a problem 'removing myself' or making myself scarce from these interactions, but I do suspect that that is more isolating. Is it 'due' to wanting to isolate, or 'shame' or just accurate conclusions drawn-who knows?...Sometimes "isolating" for a SHORT period of self evaluation and reflection can be helpful, as long as it is short and that is what it is really for. The first two reasons you lists as possible motives for doing it are NOT helpful nor healthy. Be careful here, you are getting close to thin ice.