Red Panda, honestly, I am really glad it cracked you up. I thought it was hilarious, even when I was in pain. I was vacillating between shaking in pain and shaking with laughter.

Lindsey... ya know, it *just* occurred to me that I myself dissociate, but don't have a Dx for it. I mean my therapist knows that I do, but it just isn't something... I have ever discussed with a PCP or even my former psychiatrist. I'm just... used to it I guess. I think it is one of the reasons I always seem very calm and cool, because I spend the vast majority of my time sorta apart from myself, almost like I know that I *am* feeling emotions, but I am not experiencing those feelings (I don't know if that makes any sense). And on the few occasions when I am just way to overwhelmed to cope, or am in a position where I am trapped, I just... go away- I feel nothing that is actually happening to my body, I like take off and explore the universe. Apparently sometimes I can even function that way, react and talk, but I only ever have a very vague recollection of that. Honestly- I find it kinda useful, though I don't actually know that it's really a healthy way to approach life.

I guess for me, HEARING or knowing someone's Dx (EVEN Antisocial or Narcissistic) isn't enough for me to stay away. I pretty much base it on behavior- what they do and how they act. I avoid people who scare me, and people who make me feel bad- I don't mean their stories make me sad or angry for them, but they actually suck my energy and life force, even then it is because I can't afford it, not because I don't want to be supportive.