Lablover, I can certainly relate, especially since I suffer from some social anxiety, too. I've been down today, in fact, one of those bad times when I start dwelling on all the bad things that life has thrown at me. I've learned that I can only do the best I can, and some people will like me and others will have no use for me. I used to be a teacher and when I'd read my student evaluations, it was like students were sometimes seeing two different people, one who "walked on water as an excellent teacher" and one who, to be dramatic, "should be drowned because she was such a sorry excuse for a teacher." Alas, I think it's human nature for people to be critical, and yes, I, too, believe that people are becoming less and less kind toward each other. Even writers have their critics, as I can attest to from personal experience, and old people can be bitter and complaining. I do try to be positive, but, as I say, I can certainly understand where you're coming from!