"They" Don't Have a Disorder for Me

I just learned which words should and should not be capitalized in a title, in order to ensure the title of this blog was grammatically correct.

I've always been a quiet person. When I was younger, teachers loved me because I never talked in class. But I wasn't trying to be a goodie-goodie, I just never talked much to anyone. I'd go to a party, I'm in the corner. While walking my dog, I purposely avoid others who might try and speak to me. In the gym, I avoid activities that require me to ask for someone else to assist me. I wouldn't describe myself as shy, I just don't see much point in wasting time with superficial interactions.

I'm very comfortable with established friends and family, especially within comfortable surroundings (i.e. my house, my parents' house), and I can enjoy spending endless amounts of time interacting with them.

But put me in an unfamiliar location (even a friends' house), and I have a very difficult time getting comfortable, and cannot linger there for extended periods of time.

My mother thought/thinks I'm depressed. And I have been chastised by peers for not being more social.

Most days I don't even think about how I am, but sometimes I wonder "am I depressed?" "could I really be depressed my entire life?" "why can't I just talk to people?"

Today I read this post from someone who sounds a lot like me:

"...I have always been a shy, quiet person around people that I don't know well. I have many friends that I feel comfortable with. But as to other people, in the work force or everyday acquaintances, I don't want to be bothered.

Does this sound selfish, or could it be depression?

...

Out of my work environment, I don't want to fraternize with people in the stores, or markets. Why is this happening to me? And, how can I make it better?"

At first, I felt better just knowing that it wasn't hard to find someone else who I can relate to. And after reading the comments that followed this post, I felt kinda dumb for thinking I needed to try and be different when I really don't have a problem with who I am:

"You say that you're happy this way, so why are you looking to make a change? Not everyone has to be social and outgoing. As long as you have strong, healthy relationships in your life, you don't have to make friends with everyone that crosses your path."

---

"...I don't like working with/being around a lot of other people, I don't like small-talk/surface interactions, and I prefer my own company or the company of people I already know to that of strangers or people I don't know very well.

...If I try to be something different (more outgoing/sociable), I can pull it off for short time, but inevitably it makes me cranky and ill-at-ease..."