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Perzephone said:
I think there's a big difference, tho, between not being around other people because you just don't want to be around them, and avoiding people because you are afraid to be around them even though you want the interaction.

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I agree totally with that one. I'm pretty careful these days because I have a history of attracting people who give me a hard time. So, it's either get some assertiveness, or spend more time on my own (or both).

One of the things I like in life is wandering in the town, or sitting quietly in a cafe. I very often see, or overhear, people being nasty to each other. This is all good material for my poems and stories.

But the overwhelming pleasure I feel is that they are not doing it to me! I'm finally at the stage where these things are not triggers for me, but just observations. My own choice of friendships has improved as well in the last few years. At the first hint of temper or manipulation, I cool off quickly. I'm looking for maturity, generosity and sensitivity in the people I spend time with.

I like it when I sit next to a cafe table where people are *****ing each other, and then I can pay my bill and stroll out into the sunshine. To know for sure that there is no invisible string connecting me to them. They are so caught up in trying to hurt each other that they don't even notice me leave. It's a joy - pure joy.

Cheers, M