Yes, last, I think I can connect in writing, but not in person. I truly believe that my image here on PC is quite distorted as compared with real, three-dimensional life. Here, I think we get to the point much more quickly than is done in real life, forced to do so by the entirely written nature of communication here. IRL, before we get to the point, we unconsciously perform all kinds of non-verbal mutual assurance behaviors, and those are the things I don't know how to do. Although I must say that with me at least this does happen with some frequency even when I'm writing IRL. The best way I have of never hearing from an RL friend again is to write them a letter. Don't ask me why. They NEVER write back. Or even call. Do I have leprosy? Bad breath? Body odor? Of course not, so the answer has to be not knowing how to form and encourage and cultivate human relationships.

And keep in mind that one of the terribly important things I didn't learn as a baby was that I have value in myself as a person. I learned I did not have such value and always had to try to do and say things to evoke positive responses from other people starting with my mother (i.e., "tap-dancing," "performances"). In other words, I'm needy. And, of course, people sense that and automatically, without thinking, wander on to the next person who isn't going, even unconsciously, to ask for reassurance.

Take care, and thank you very much!