Hey, VenusHaley - This is an interesting thread. I recall reading a while back that sometimes intelligent people have a hard time in therapy because their intellect gets in the way of their emotional needs. You appear to also be quite spiritual, political and philosophical. All of these are good but can distract one from emotional issues. (We are similar, I also am interested in politics and philosophy, and even studied Buddhism for a while.)

I have a library of self-help books. Some I've read; some not. They lack reinforcement and while helpful, I tend to read and forget. Do I believe it is possible to be your own therapist? Frankly, no. Will self-help books help? Yes, somewhat. However, it seems your issues relate to relating to others and, I believe, to improve in that area you will need to see a therapist because you may need to learn to compromise your political / religious / philosophical beliefs and to increase your personal value of getting along with others even if they disagree with you or are not up to your intellectual standards. And, to do this, you will need to bounce your ideas and beliefs off of someone to get their feedback; feedback that can only come from another person who will help you create deeper and lasting personal relationships. Relationship is a synonym for compromise and to be successful in them, you have to learn to compromise - having unyielding political and philosophical beliefs get in the way of accomplishing this. Somethings are best taught to us by others, especially if the need is to get along better with others in order to create and keep friends and - hopefully - lovers. So, find the right therapist and talk, talk, talk. If you do not have qualified therapists in your area, it may be possible to use Skype and see one online. You are unique, so find one who relates to you.

All the best to you!