I have friends. A lot of them, but I don’t know if their friends with me. They include me yes, I’m sure they love me as well, I just can’t shake off the feeling that I’m not bringing them any good. Whenever they talk to each other they talk very casually they all laugh together, they respond well and I’m just there at the sides staring not knowing how to respond. I don’t even know what their talking about most of the time and when I do I make it awkward. The same way goes for my family. I’m not close with any of my aunts or uncles, I feel like I don’t be long anywhere, and I feel like my social skills are draining by the minute not that it was any good anytime but it’s just getting worse. I don’t know how to feel about this and I’m looking for any advice that can help. Thank you
Thank you for writing in. I gather from your post that you feel that you do not belong to your friends’ group. Though you are included, I sense you feel like you do not have much to contribute. Similarly, you feel the sense of not belonging to your extended family as well.
Understandably, feeling like you do not belong can feel isolating and discouraging. May I recommend you speak to a counsellor on what you are experiencing? In a safe space, I encourage you to discuss the current issues and unpack some of the beliefs driving your thoughts and actions in the present moment.
Do seek support soon and slowly take steps towards feeling more at ease socially in future. 