Hello FaithlessCat: Your post reminded me of an article I read several years ago in the editorial section of one of our local newspapers. It was by an older woman (more my age than yours). When she & her husband retired, they moved to a small town. She thought that she would make new friends & that they would enjoy the slower pace. What she found was that everyone her age already had long-established friendships & they weren't interested in getting to know her. She got a part-time job at a local fast-food restaurant. Most of her co-workers were teenagers & young adults. So this is who she ended up being friends with; & she got invited to all of the bridal & baby showers, etc.

I don't have any friends (acquaintances, but no friends.) And I don't do anything to try to acquire any. Although I sometimes think it would be nice to have friends, it just seems to work out best for me if I keep to myself. So I do. It seems like you're doing everything right by being active in your community. But it also sounds like you're surrounded by people who don't quite march to the same drummer as you do, so to speak.

You mentioned that your diagnosis seems to be off-putting. Do you tell people about it? Perhaps you should be less forthcoming. It's unfortunate. But I think the reality of the situation is that most people still hold allot of prejudice when it comes to mental illnesses. I don't share anything of this nature with anyone. Best wishes...