Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone
I hope you're all doing well. I'm reaching out because I'm feeling quite isolated and could really use some support and advice from people who might understand what I'm going through.
I struggle a lot with socializing. This has made it difficult for me to make and keep friends, and unfortunately, I don't have any friends right now who I can truly be myself around without masking. While I do have friends, they're not close, and I often feel like I have to hide parts of myself when I'm with them.
On the bright side, I have a very supportive boyfriend who I live with, and my parents, who I can also be myself around. They accept me for who I am, and I'm very grateful for that. However, I still feel sad because I don't have any friends with whom I can fully relax and be authentic.
Over the last few months I've began the process of unmasking around my friends, but I've been very hurt in the process and long story short - they've all pretty much backed off / disappeared from my life. I'm not ready to open myself up again just yet to try to make authentic connections. I need some time to recover and focus on accepting my current situation and to reach a place of acceptance and peace with not having true friends.
If anyone else has experienced something similar, how do you cope with feeling isolated or having to mask around most people? Do you have any tips on finding contentment and peace with my current situation while working towards a place where I can open up again?
Thank you so much for reading and any advice you might have.
Hey there
Really sorry to hear about your situation atm. I can relate to your experience. I have friends but don’t really agree or enjoy with their values and beliefs. I’m not sure who I am unmasked so it’s difficult for me to know who the real me is but I know what it’s not if that makes sense? I would say for now to carry on appreciating the people you’re currently relying on and who accept you. When you’re feeling stronger why not find a local support group to try and meet likeminded people and possibly make friendships. I have not done this yet but plan to in the future. It’s so difficult existing in a world not made for us and I get it, I’ve tried to drop things out with people I feel might understand which hasn’t gone too badly but I hold back from letting go more. I feel that I need a complete lifestyle change but not really clear about my needs just yet. I can feel alone even with people around me as I don’t feel comfortable.
Good luck with everything and thanks for sharing your post
That part about existing in a world not made for us really resonated. We grow up blaming ourselves which is so sad because we are not the problem. Thank you for the reply and support ️