I find it difficult to be with a person one-on-one. I have no friends except the few I have met in my support group & I feel that I lack adequate social skills to be out there with the "normal" people. But I have found a couple good ways to be around people that is not too intimidating for me.

I take a knitting class. Not only is it relaxing, but you have a focus (the knitting) so I don't feel like I'm being scrutinized. I also have signed up for a book club at the library. I haven't attended that yet so I do feel some anxiety about it, but if I push myself to do things I gain more confidence.

Volunteering is also a big part of my "socializing." I volunteer for NAMI, DBSA & at the local jail (co-leading a women's support group with a therapist).

If I have been alone for a few days, I'll take a book & go to a coffee shop to just be around people. It makes me feel more human. Anyway, you are not alone in being isolated but wanting contact with other people.--Suzy