Um, well, Homeira's answer. (That'll save some typing! )

Also, if I'm able to bury myself in a project. Ever so rarely, I'll go out, but usually, being out makes me feel even worse, because seeing people with friends and having a fun time just really puts it in my face and makes me feel like more of a freak. I'm glad for them, but at the same time, kind of "hate" them for it, and I don't want to think I'd be so petty as to be jealous, but really, that's what it is, isn't it?

So selectiveness is key. Going to someplace like a garden? Ok. Restaurants? Not a chance in hell.

One "upside" (which probably most of us get from this) of knowing this feeling all too well, is a keen sense of empathy. If I find myself in a social situation, my radar quickly picks up on outer others, and despite being very shy (outside of hypomania), will mellowly gravitate towards and try to make them feel less uncomfortable, even if it is just our little alliance of the uncomfortable outsiders(!)