Hi woolgatherer. Nice name by the way. Do you work with wool? I am a fiber artist and have sheep, so your name caught my attention.

I think I know what you mean about everyone judging you and social expectations. Is it like you would like to participate, but you are afraid to join in because you are afraid of being rejected? Maybe you have high standards about others making you feel welcome. Not sure if you will measure up?

I was diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder a long time ago, and more recently with social anxiety. The two have quite a bit in common. I've always struggled socially, but I come alive online. And with time and what I have learned through online relationships I have made progress with social skills offline as well.

Maybe you would like to tell us more about yourself so that we can get to know you, and you can get to know us a little better. We can talk about this stuff here, and you might find the social chat forum a good place to practice social skills too.

Rap