Hi H3rmit, I had to chuckle at your comment "non-breeding female". I can very much relate to that. It doesn't matter which gender either. Many of the people I meet in my business love to talk about their kids. Mine are furry with 4 legs and I love to talk about them, but no one cares. I've tried to have friends but I find it difficult to have a close relationship. There a two other women that I've known for many years that we can count on each other in a time of need. Like I have to work late, could you maybe go let my dogs out? However, I can't express my thought or feelings to either one about my depression or mental state. They are fun time friends. Not somebody you could run to, to cry on their shoulder.
I'm trying to learn how to talk to my husband about things since he's the closest thing to a best friend that I've ever had.
Like you I struggle with reading people. It happens all the time and I never see it. If my husband is there, he'll tell me. Usually it's "didn't you see that what you said bothered her?" No I didn't. Not a clue.
After living this way for 50+ yrs, it is what it is.