I feel like an outsider

I know I'm not the only one in this situation, but it always feels like other people are happy to interact with each other while I'm always left on the sidelines. I don't know why I feel bad about it since I don't really want to hang out with other people but I still feel bad that I'm left out nonetheless...

  • I can relate to this too- what I really want to say is that there are people out there that you will connect to - it's just a matter of finding them- which is not easy. In my experience not wanting to hang out with people is often a sign that's those are just not the right people or that I am just too overwhelmed/ burnt out in general. I have found some people I connect to through shared interests (mainly while at uni)- and I am surprised myself sometimes that with some people I can happily spend quite a long time together which would have been unimaginable. But it really depends on the person. I'm also quite lonely at the moment though and it is hard. And being leftout feels awful- it always makes me feel weird and I am just puzzled by how others can find it so easy and actually enjoyable - but I think you will also find people that you are happy to interact with- those people that you are seeing and feel left out by are just not your people probably. 

  • I can kind of relate to this post. Many years ago I had a friend who would ask me to babysit her children so that she could have a night out with her other friends. Although I had no desire to partake in the activities she enjoyed, it upset me that she never once considered asking me if I would like to join her on a night out. Whilst I'm sure she knew that I would have declined such an invitation, it would have been nice to have been asked.

  • Honestly, it is a horrible situation to be in.  I myself haven't had a friend for years now, I just can't relate to anyone!  I think what could help, correct me if I'm wrong, is joining a community full of others like you.  Not necessarily a group of other neurodiverse people, but people with a similar interest.  Even if for the first few months you just lurk, you will see that you are not alone.  I know that many Autistic people find their passions to be videogames or comics, academics or reading, and there are so many people out there who have these interests too.

    You could even post on here to start with.  Many people can bond over a shared loneliness, but that will only take you so far in a conversation.  I recommend asking people about their interests or even asking if they share yours, even if it's just to say that you've tried it.

  • Me to I'm always on the outside no one includes me. Your not alone

  • I can relate totally , I always feel left out . My family gets left out . I always have to be the one making the effort . You are not alone and I hear you x

  • I get this. It can be hard seeing others interact whilst you feel unable to and they make it look so easy when for us it's one of the hardest things to try and do.

    Sends hugs.

  • This can be a difficult feeling to deal with.

    I don't know why I feel bad about it since I don't really want to hang out with other people but I still feel bad that I'm left out nonetheless

    I do not mean to be harsh, but the answer might be here. I caught up with an old friend who, on being asked about this issue, said I often wasn't invited to the socials becuase - as much as they enjoyed my company, they thought I wouldn't enjoy it.

    There are many other types of interactions and socializing - try not to think that hanging out is the only one and the most important.

    Hope that helps.