Bellaviolet,

Let me just add another point to the socialization issue. It is something I went through when I was younger. I was working in a new place & wanted to fit in & socialize with the people I worked with, thinking it would be a nice place to socialize since I didn't have friends & usually stayed pretty much to myself.

We worked from 6pm to 6am & afterwards they would drive to a house close to work. They had pot, & liquor & that was their socialization. Now, I didn't fit into that scene at all, but I could have forced myself to fit in because I felt like I wanted to fit in so bad.

What I am trying to say, is that you have to be ok with the socialization that is going on in the group you are with before you ever will be comfortable with the people. It isn't something you should force yourself into if your values don't match those you are socializing with.

I am sure those people saw me as an uptight young female....& that is exactly what I was because I didn't fit into the scene I was trying to get involved in. I had to know myself & my values & not go back into that socializing just because I felt I needed to.

Take care of yourself & your feelings first & then if you feel comfortable being around what is going on, then you can be comfortable with the people.

Hope this makes some sense,
Debbie