It's obvious to me that older folks are easier to be around and relate to than those closer to my age. Whenever I make a thread or talk about social issues, I am told the same nonsense about clubs, body language, confidence, etc., and it is nonsense as far as I am concerned, but maybe that's because I am more willing to challenge social norms than others are. If I am not comfortable with the 'status quo' than I will fight it. I'm kind of rebellious that way I suppose.

Although few of those my own age like me, I have no issue socializing with those in their 50s and 60s, and that's why most of my 'friends' are in their 50s and 60s.

I am told on PC that confidence and body language are attractive, but that is only ever an issue when around those my own age, not those that are older. None of the older folks I chill with could care less about conformity, confidence, body language, etc.

When I have attempted to socialize with my peers, I have been rejected for my interests, hobbies, mental health issues, lack of social skills, any number of things. Seriously, I have been rejected because of what books interest me! What am I suppose to do about that? Start reading more Twilight and Harry Potter to conform to the accepted standards of literature?

But I never have this issue with my older friends. Many of them know I have issues with SI, suicide, Asperger's, etc., and they are able to accept that about me and still respect me. If a 20 year old found out I have had issues with SI, that would be the end of it, but I don't have that issue with older individuals.

It makes me think who is really more insecure: someone like me that struggles with self-esteem, disabilities, and SI, or those that can't accept differences in how others are?