[Humpty Dumpty]

Until I started researching AvPD I just assumed I was Antisocial. Now I have researched both and learned antisocial behavior isn't what I thought.
I guess my underlying question is "Is it really that big of a problem?" I mean I'm fine with it. I have just 1 friend and my wife. I don't like going out that much. When I have the rear inclining to hang out with someone I can usually meet up with my friend. Then I'm fine. I just don't like being around people. I tend to feel uncomfortable around them. So why is avoiding them so bad? Until recently I have been able to do my job by myself. Now that has changed and I'm having to work with other people I'm looking to change jobs so I can be by myself again. Why is that so bad?

[BreakForTheLight]

I think you missed something in your research....

They desire affection and acceptance and may fantasize about idealized relationships with others.

Avoidant personality disorder does not just mean avoiding people. It also means a fear of criticism, extremely low self-esteem AND wanting closer relationships. Those are the reasons we avoid people. Avoiding people because you don't like them isn't AvPD.

If you're fine with everything in your life, there's nothing bad about avoiding people if you don't want people around you. It becomes a problem when you do want that but you can't form connections.

From your post it doesn't sound like you have AvPD. Believe me - if you have AvPD, you will know what the problem is.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Originally Posted by BreakForTheLight

Avoidant personality disorder does not just mean avoiding people. It also means a fear of criticism, extremely low self-esteem AND wanting closer relationships. Those are the reasons we avoid people. Avoiding people because you don't like them isn't AvPD.

Yes I know that. I felt it was implied. I do have low self-esteem and fear criticism to the point of I have a hard time asking for things at work, like time off, because I'm worried about getting ripped. Everytime my wife asks me about something I've done I'm assuming she's about to tell me what I've done wrong. I don't like people because I don't like being criticized & it feels like I am always the brunt of everyone's jokes. It is for these reasons I don't like people and have learned to be content without being around people. At one point in time I did crave close relationships. After years of always being criticized I learned that being alone is better than always being criticized.