Hey, folks. I don't have AvPD. Diagnosed with PDNOS 6 years ago but I think I would have qualified for OCPD before that but people weren't diagnosing PD's much years ago. I've been in a general mental health support group for 12 years and I think 2 of the others probably have AvPD. But they're either not sharing that or not diagnosed for similar reasons as me. Like I said, I've known these folks for about 12 years, care about them, even though I suspect our level of "relationship" some people might think is restricted.

Being very obsessive and compulsive I've done a lot of research about psychology and PD's and have some ideas about self-loathing and not being able to be yourself in the world and participate fully.

I agree, unfortunately a PD pattern isn't going away overnight. But, for me, a better understanding of what is, or might, be going on is helping me participate some with more "regular" folks.

I had been participating in the NPD forum -- those folks have some similarity with me. I learned a lot but the group seems to have dissipated for reasons I could speculate about but am not really sure. So . . .would you all be OK with me trying to participate some here?

Honestly, in my grand and glorious NPD, or codependent, way I'd also like to try to add something and help move the understanding of PD's forward, and help you all, if I can, which is something I wish I could do more for my friends, but lack the ability or understanding for. And, of course, I'd like to participate because participating helps me.

I also think that you AvPD's have a lot to offer the world that the world probably isn't too receptive to. Sucks for the world. So I'd like to learn some more about that, if I can.