re: Who Here Has Had This Feeling?

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I can somewhat relate. I've always had a hard time making new friends. Part of that is me being somewhat anti-social and being diagnosed with social anxiety. The weird thing is I'm looked at as the social butterfly in my family. I've tended to always gravitate towards the social butterflies. Kind of the yin to my yang. My best friend has never met a stranger, nor has my wife. I'm terrified of going into a social situation where I don't know anyone.

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I'm at my best in a room full of strangers. I figure I can bullshite with the best of them.

That's how I see human socialization. Bullshitting. Learn to shoot the breeze and you've got it made.

What do most people bullshite about? Themselves, of course. Every person is an expert on himself.

If you're uncomfortable bullshitting about yourself then pick one of the other three most popular subjects for socializing: Religion, politics and sports. Nonstop chatter is guaranteed.

I think the best recommendation I can make for anyone who feels socially awkward is Toastmasters International. It is freaking miraculous. Especially for young people, TMI gives you the social skills for both professional and personal success. For anyone, however, TMI makes socialization not just bearable for those of us who'd just rather be alone but actually enjoyable when we need to get out and circulate.