Posted by Looney Tunes on December 27, 2008, at 20:32:10
In reply to Isolation, loneliness, and one-sided friendships, posted by Racer on December 23, 2008, at 11:36:08
Hey Racer,
I wanted to respond, although I am not considered one of the "group" here at Babble.
Your post hit me like a ton of bricks. It sounded just like me.
I have no family and I have no friends. I grew up in foster care and am basically terrified of relationships with people. I don't trust a soul. I do work, but I work with kids and after work I come home and stay inside. I have a couple of cats and dogs and they are my comfort.
But, that being said, a couple of years ago where I used to live, when I got out of the hospital, I promised my doctor I would do something, so I chose to volunteer at an animal shelter. It was the best thing I ever did. No-one cared about what I looked like or if I was "weird" or not, they just thought it was cool that I wanted to help animals. We were all together for a common cause. And I even started just doing solidary things like walking the dogs or playing with them.
Unfortunately I moved and am finding myself stuck in the position of having no-one for the past 2 years. I promised myself in the New Year that I was going to find a place to volunteer.
It is SOOOO hard, but if you can choose a place to volunteer, the people are usually so happy that you all have a common cause or goal in mind. I was terrified, but each time got easier. And if I wanted, all I had to do was talk about animals....never about me or anything until I was ready.
Maybe you can try and make it a goal in 2009 to find a place to volunteer. Maybe we could both make a pact that we are going to try this in the New Year.
Trust me though...I hear you.
poster:Looney Tunes
thread:870481
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081219/msgs/871088.html