I'm avoiding all social interaction - is this normal?

Is this normal for you or out of the ordinary?

For me, I go through shut-in phases too. Usually coincides with depression, but not always. Sometimes I'm all socialized out and just need time alone, others I'm just emotionally distraught and don't want anyone to talk to me. And stuff in-between.

Hmm, rereading your line about "not seeking out interaction" is starting to remind me of myself a bit. I've been trying (as part of my personal growth process) the last year or so to break out of this, invite people out/etc. I've found it's easiest if you surround yourself with the type of friends who are prone to inviting you places, but you still have to do that bit of work yourself.

You certainly have a few avoidant tendencies, like me. I don't really know what to say to help you other than "I know how you feel" and "it gets better, you just need to work on it slowly". Solitude can be nice from time to time, but if it's bothering you like it was with me you may want to start taking steps to break out. Feel free to PM me if I've been any help.

 

I still do this.

To be honest, aside from the internet I rarely have any social interaction.

Sometimes I think it may be depression, other times it is just circumstance. But in your situation I would say it may just be temporary. Everyone goes through a period where they just don't want to interact. However, if it lasts longer and gets even worse I would try seeking help for it, as it could either evolve into depression, or stem from an existing condition similar to depression.

Now I'm no doctor, so my advice may not count for peanuts, but I just wanted to offer my opinion.

 

These are the exact words I uttered to a therapist some time ago. His explanation was, I feel this way because those are the people who have an opinion that actually matters. There the people that actually know something about you.

With strangers you don't have to see them the next day. What they feel or portray is just a minor inconvenience to your day.

Aside from that I feel the same as you do. Or at least my interpretation of what you feel. The major difference is for me, is I like my solitude. I wouldn't have it any other way. Going to work or seeing people at stores etc. is really the only social interaction I require. Of course from time to time I long for more but that is usually short lived.

Is something wrong with you? Not sure can't really answer that. i don't think so.

As far as the rest is concerned if you knew anything about me I agree completely with the handbasket comment. I don't think people can change any course or cause for what is going to happen. All one can really do is keep looking ahead, hoping to dodge a missile only to be hit with a bullet. Maybe put a pretty pink bow on ones handbasket.

Can I come??

 

I did this too, admittedly before coming out. I was so convinced my friends would all ask awkward, embarrassing questions that I started pushing some of them away. It wasn't pretty. After coming out, though, I have no issue. Just all my pre-existing ones.

Sounds like depression to me.

For me, what I found was a new group of friends. What we'd do is get together on the full moon, drink wine, bust out musical instruments (I'm about as musical as broken triangle) and record the results, producing an album from what we recorded at that jam session. We started small and the movement attracted new people. I used to be the guy that sat in the corner with a pad of paper, making album art or shouting out song ideas, then got some bongos (I DO have rhythm, against all odds) and finally the occasional vocals.

We did this once a month, and once a month I had a) something to be proud of and b) something to look forward to. Sadly, the key person (a close friend whom I miss greatly) left to teach English in Japan this year, and the parties just petered out. So, I've been having a difficult time so far, friends-wise. But I did it before, I can do it again! And hell, if I can do it, so can you.

 

I used to feel that way too. After school I would just go to sleep or sit an listen to music. At school I usually sat alone reading just to have an excuse to not talk with people.

Finally, I forced myself to go out. I started to volunteer in different projects so I was obliged to go out whether I liked it or not. Being active really helped. Although this feelings tend to come back, especially when I’m stressed out or worried.

 

Bit strange, but it's sounds like you're describing me. I wouldn't worry about it too much. You just don't care if you're alone, that's all. It's seems strange to most people, because for some reason almost everyone likes to be with some other people. So they think it's strange if someone doesn't care about it. I don't think it's something you should worry about.

 

I disagree, I think that if a lonely person is asking to share loneliness on a forum, that means they realized that they don't want to be lonely anymore. I know I am lonely but hell I wish I wasn't. Just like the lyric in my signature says, sometimes we might choose to live a safe life by the side, but we certainly don't have to like it.

 

"...I feel like I need to do something confidence-boosting, I just don't know what to do..."

Is there anything you've been threatening to do for a long time (eg learn how to play guitar or join a theatre group etc)? Perhaps now is the time to re-boot by trying something new--in the company of others (lessons).

 

I am happy that you move in the right direction.

 

Yes. Don't. No wonder.

IIRC, if one does not fuel one's body properly its metabolism slows down to reduce the rate that it begins consuming muscle and fat in response to a period of famine.

BTW. Is that the Kama Sutra two-step?