Hi BiscuitTin, yeah, I can relate to feeling like a loner and walking to my car after a group and seeing the other people standing outside talking with each other and knowing that I'm not a part of it. And, worse yet, I thought that I was not even invited into that part of the other peoples world--like I was automatically excluded and it hurt my feelings that I never even got an option or chance to be a part of it (I thought). I felt a little unwanted or unworthy—like I was some sort of defective outcast. I was rejected by the other people because there was something wrong with me...

This post is just my own personal experience so it may not be what’s going on with you but I thought I’d share it. Identifying my naturally introverted self as a defective outcast and loner made me miserable for a long time because I thought it was something that I needed to fix. I thought the answer to my problem was to force myself to fit in and be a part of the social group. It was like nails on a chalk board…nails on a chalk board.

I have given myself permission to be an introvert and I no longer pressure myself to try to be an insider and part of all the groups. Instead, I have been focusing on building relationships with just a few friends and it feels good to connect with them on an individual basis. I am an introverted loner but I still need to make enough emotional bonds with others so that I can feel like I am cared about and loved by people.

Good luck.