That's some really great feedback above. It means a lot to me that members actually cared enough to think about my situation.

To Defeated: I was in a graduate program at one time. Just like you, I was thinking I would meet like-minded people, but to be honest I didn't. After a year, I quit. I had a lot of problems, at the time. And, yes, I've had people, over the years, ask me "What's wrong?" when I didn't know I was projecting that. But I must have been, because they saw it. I mean total strangers on the campus, walking past me and stopping me to say "Are you alright?" I think I hide it better now. But, actually, I feel worse.

To OurLady: I wish to God I had patience with long struggles. There's been too many of them and I'm all struggled out, at the moment. But what you say is true.

To Openeyes: You are always very perceptive and it is appreciated. I will have to read these replies over and think on them. I don't expect that I will ever be a Socialite. But I am living like an eccentric recluse. I mean, honestly, the neighbors are beginning to talk. It feels humiliating just to go out for the mail. I live in a small apartment complex. Our mailboxes are altogether in one place. I slip out after midnight so as to avoid everyone. I'm getting whacky.