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My stages of learning to be a socially normal person

(sashachapin.substack.com)
631 points eatitraw | 1 comments | 15 Nov 25 13:24 UTC | HN request time: 0.197s | source
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donatj ◴[17 Nov 25 20:32 UTC] No.45957949[source]▶
> The other day, someone told me, “I can’t imagine you ever being awkward with people.”

I was telling my therapist of several years recently about being uncomfortable with the number of new people I've had to meet recently.

He seemed surprised that I wasn't excited by it all and said something along the lines of "You seem like a very social person, that seems out of character." It struck me… am I really that good at masking that my therapist didn't realize I am absolutely terrified in near all social situations? I have zero idea how to make small talk with people I haven't known for years.

Working from home since COVID has made my social skills so much worse because I don't get the practice.

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1. mock-possum ◴[18 Nov 25 07:30 UTC] No.45962348[source]▶
Oh boy do I ever relate to that - “You seem like a very social person, that seems out of character” - I know that’s how I seem, but god almighty do I not feel that way.

I’ve learned that’s its best if I play the role of a social person, but it’s just playing a role.

I don’t think anyone but a handful of my closest loved ones really grasp how very close I have always been to running away to live as a hermit in a cabin in the woods.