cmesxx..... The "normals" (as I like to call them) can certain have the ability to have empathy for people like us. BUT - I will never believe they can truly understand us.

(IMO) There is no way reading a bunch of college books will give a therapist the ability to truly / personally know depression. To understand us self-harmers. To be able to appropriately and safely guide us. They can apply theories, they can state statistics. But WE understand that as humans - each one of us is different, with different pasts and different abilities to copy and different skills at coping..........

If I were your therapist (which I am totalllllllllllllllly unqualified for - so consider that fact). I would say yes - you do need to find some friends. If you have any religious inclinations - I would suggest you join a church (methodist are very welcoming, baptists are awesome and inviting). Then join a few clubs there - I guarentee you will find some friends there (and if they are good Christians - they do not "judge" - they embrace). Maybe do some volunteer work (again you will run into some good hearted people.

Lastly (and I kinda hate saying this - but I will).... IN MY OPINION (which isn't worth much)... but IMO - if your bf is not understanding and supportive of WHO YOU ARE.... Then I am sorry, he is not for you. Sounds harsh. But better off to know now than to think he will adapt those abilities - sounds like a receipe for a lot of pain down the road.

Good luck - and God bless you.