Isolated

Anybody ever just prefer to be alone? Like at work, I sometimes isolate myself just to process my thoughts and for fear that I would offend someone, but then again I don't mind being more social if the mood strikes me. I don't have many friends, just because I get irritable and annoyed so easily that I tend to ruin most friendships. But it doesn't bother me, its easier being to myself. When meds are stable, I do have my moments when I wish I had more friends, but that's few and far in between.

That's probably the way most people feel, Gina re. Unless one happens to be a narcissist and craves more and more attention, and really must have it from all types of people and at all times, you're in the majority.

I would discuss with my psychiatrist the irritability and annoyance, because there may be a medication that you can take that will relieve that when you're in social situations. I will take .5 mg. Clonazepam if I know I'm going to be around one special group of people for a long period whom I just do not like particularly.

Think nothing of not having many friends; the few you do have are probably genuine ones and like you for who you are. They're really hard to find in life, honestly.

I wouldn't call being alone loneliness, necessarily. I would tend to think of it as
independence. And I love my independence, and yes, I'm alone a good bit, and prefer it, frankly.

It's just so pleasant being able to do whatever I want and not having to be sure that I'm caring for guests well when they visit or that I have to vent to a family member
when I can do that with my psychiatrist--it may be expensive, but it saves problems
within the family and also allows me to be positive when I am with people. We don't
exhaust our supply of "niceness" under circumstances like that.

Take care and enjoy your life; you're living a good one, it seems to me.

I do love my independence!! My mom told me when I was younger, I would play by myself sometimes, and ignore the kids on the playground. I am working on my meds now, currently increasing the Trileptal. I know I'll be ok once that kicks in. Idk why it was ever decreased in the first place. Needless to say, I don't see that doc anymore!
Thanks for the kind words genetic! I was just wondering if I was alone in this because even though it doesn't bother me, some people find it weird that I don't go out all the time and have a ton of friends.

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Well, how often you go out is really none of their business. They may very well be narcissists if they have to go out all the time and have tons of friends. Did that ever occur to you? So, your neighbors have their
own problems, don't they?

I wish you had nicer neighbors!

Good wishes, Isolated.

I prefer being alone, most of the time.
I used to think that I'm this way, because growing up I was extremely shy, and so easily embarrassed. I went out of my way to not be noticed by others.

Over the years though, that concept of myself has changed drastically since those early years. I have discovered that I am an introvert, which is much different than being shy. I'm able to be around others now, and can often feel quite comfortable in the presence of others.

I do my best thinking, my best work, etc, when I am alone. I, too, can become quite frustrated, and quite irritable around others, especially when I have to spend too much time around others. It's as if they somehow 'drain' me, and rob me of that very essence which is vital to who I feel I am as a person.

I'm alone most of the time and, once in a while, I start thinking about how I "should" be out around people more often.

I'm not married, so I have the bed to myself (except for the dog).

At work, the cube walls are high and most of us go for days without even seeing each other. There's no constant, "Good morning!" each day like I've had at other jobs.

My child is grown and still lives here, but busy with his own life, so I eat my meals alone, spend my evenings alone, and sleep alone again each night.

Every few weeks, I'll do something social.

Don't beat yourself up about it.

If I had to be around people each day, I would never have time to get my own projects done (like writing), and I'm sure I would be in worse shape than I am now due to stress.

The only thing that I really miss is the relationship with a former best girlfriend. I don't have anyone to confide in, and that's kind of tough sometimes.

gina i always like to be isolated.

far more easier for me and those around.