[thephilosopher6]

I'm a teenager on the older side of the spectrum. I'm 17 and a senior in high school. I am socially awkward and introverted and have very few friends. I'm so out of touch and alienated from everyone. I hated it but gradually... I'm just accepting it now. I don't really care anymore. I don't need anyone but myself and I'm happier this way actually. I don't even need a intimate relationship. I've never had one and because of this I use to be very desperate and upset. Sometimes I'd cry. But now I don't care. I don't need anyone and I'm happier alone. Well, anyway, I can't connect with anyone my age. I love reading. I'm obsessed with it. My favorite authors are Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Kafka, and Goethe. Every time I try to talk about these things with other people my age they have no idea who or what I'm talking about. Not even the introverted kids like me. I just have no way of connecting to anyone. I'm just a lonely soul I suppose. Sorry for my little rant, but I'm just wondering if anyone has similar issues?

[KoalaBP]

Just wait until you get to college - you'll find your "tribe" and people will love to talk about all those authors with you. Plus you'll pass some of your intro to lit classes no problem!

In my younger 40s I was very carefree and lead an active lifestyle. When the topic of age came up people generally thought I was far younger. It wasn't an imaturity thing rather I think my outlook. I am 49 now and feel every bit of it or older. People still have said I am younger but I definitely feel older since I got sick, moved, and no longer live the active lifestyle.

[-jimi-]

I was also old for my age when I was young. But since I still have the same type of mind now, instead I'm young for my age.... Weird..

[Finniky]

I've always felt that way as well... When I went to a local fair their was a psychic doing readings so my whole family got one and I was the only one where she said to me that I was an old soul. I felt that was interesting since I always sort of felt that way.. however I didn't particularly believe in that kind of thing. I just thought it was an amusing notion.

I'm 24 now and although some people are easier to relate to at this age, others still are rather immature.

My suggestion is "find your people". This can be hard though. I'm going to art school this fall and I am really looking forward to communicating with people I can relate to there (hopefully). But up to this point, I only meet interesting people online, for the most part.

[splitimage]

I was pretty much a loner in high school too - only had a few friends. But I loved university - such a wider group of people. I got involved in a lot of clubs and made some great friends, some of whom I'm still in contact with 20+ years later. I hope the same thing happens for you.

splitimage

You are on the brink of a very big change in your life that is full of great potential. I assume you are going to continue your education. You are bound to find like minded people your own age that share your interests.

Have you considered volunteering at your local library or maybe getting a job at the book store? What a great way to encounter people who share your interests! Some of them will even be your age.