1)How long have you been this way?

All my life, except for manic periods when I'm elated and enthusiastic and other people seem to flock to it because it catches.

2)Do you enjoy it?

Yep. It's extremely difficult for me to feel lonely. At times I've gone weeks without talking to anyone at all, for any reason.

3)Is it by choice or is it just difficult to make friends?

I can definitely make friends, just I choose not to. Happy with my own company.

4)When was the last time you had a "best friend?"

A couple of years ago... my last euphoric mania.

5) Do people know you're a loner? (i.e. trying to hide when people see you so they don't think you're a loner V.S being open and honest about being alone)

People are always saying I need to get out more. They mistakenly assume this will mean I spend time with them, when actually I'm likely to take off somewhere new and explore it on my own.

6) how do you spend your free time?

However I like.

I just wanted to say that I think we have different "faces" depending on who we're with. For instance, you're not the same with your mother as you are with a friend. I like who I am when I'm alone, with no one to temper myself for. IMHO, most people surround themselves with other people and noise, and they never truly know or like themselves. Those same people then usually preach to me about my self esteem.

I have lots of self esteem. I think I'm fantastic, despite my faults (of which I have quite a few). I am utterly convinced, however, that the world at large does not share my good opinion of myself. I'm not responsible for other people's thoughts, and even if I was, I honestly don't have the spare energy to change their minds.

/minirant