What Exactly Is This?

[Ronin]

Or you could look at this as ways that involve you... but not for very long.

As in if they hate you, then what? And from there, what? You usually hit a brick wall with that at some point, even in dysfunctional places of the world. Probability of grave consequences from a simple dislike just isn't that high, if you think sequentially about it. It can as well stay at that dislike.

 

[DogwoodTree]

My predicament is that among people I often feel I'm dying of thirst standing knee-deep in water. I feel lonely and alone 90% of the time, but the catch is that I've some sort of guard and people don't reach out to me and don't start talking. So I walk around locked up in the terror of my isolation, feeling like a leper until I start to feel unbearably uncomfortable and want nothing but to run home. It's very exhausting.... :'(
I think the reason for my wanting to stay home is to avoid this intense and terrifying loneliness. At home I don't feel as alone as I do in a crowd of people.

This resonates with me as well. It's not that I'm "afraid" of people, like what social anxiety seems to be. It's that I feel way more alone and unstable around people. Easier just to stay home...

What other people are saying here helps...that it's important not to interpret their behaviors. And even if my hunch about what they're unconsciously is communicating is true...it's still their issue, not mine.

 

[Ronin]

Well, for feeling alone around people, I found going to places I can be doing things that don't make me feel alone as activities... and then figuring if I can relate to people as well. Things I'm comfortable first, taking people on later.

Hell lot of music places to be, in my case. And galleries. And walks in nature. And camping. Meet ups & fast stricken companionship possibley later friendship can be rather unexpected turn of events, making socializing easier.