Rose76, I have distress from being with other people. When I am having be out in the public with my "public mask", it takes a lot of energy to act "appropriately." I am exhausted after 6-8 hours of not being home. A lot of that stress has to do with fear of rejection.

So, a lot of what you endure, is familiar landscape, though I have no S/O. It is just that family does not grasp the situation and pretends it is not there.

I am just posting this to let you know you are not alone with these emotions and feelings. My best relief from some of the negatives in my life is to come here at PC and the two pets I have. The pets I have understand rejection and are happy
that I understand them. Rose76.