Although my family and I only suspect that I have aspergers, I hate hearing well-intentioned people tell me if I just "practice" being in a group it will get better. However, I have "practiced." I have forced myself to go to parties, go to public gatherings, talk to people, etc. The results are always the same-I feel awkward and unable to function properly. I have gone through tons of social skills training and I still feel "socially illiterate" so-to-speak. I try, and like hoppery said; it is an ongoing battle every second of every day-it is work. I have a huge issue with accepting the illness because of the impact it has had on my life and interfered with what I wish I could and want to do. It almost feels as if the illness has robbed me of the most important parts/milestones of my life. Every person is different, but I would have to say that I am one who feels "abnormal" but tries to act "normal." As I said it is a huge struggle and then I get more anxious and frustrated because of the interference and then the whole thing keeps going round and round.