So, I am trying not to isolate so much. One thing I am considering is joining some group bike rides here in town. I am a pretty good little rider for my stage of life. But what I am most concerned about is meeting new people. Everyone always wants to know "what you do," so they can put you in a slot. How on earth do we answer that question without lying?

A: "Well, I was in healthcare, then had a catastrophic mental illness and spent 8 trillion billion years in the hospital because I am basically crazy. I struggle a lot with psychosis and SI and am about to start an insanely dangerous, last-ditch med, because it is that bad. BTW--do you think that car over there belongs to the CIA? I do."

That doesn't sound so reassuring to the new person.

A: "I am retired from healthcare."

F/U Q: "You seem kinda young to be retired."

A: Silence.

I mean, I need some help here. What do I say to these "normal" people?