Hi Cleric75
Whether this is really you or not, you are still welcome and we appreciate your post and introduction. Just for reference, I used to teach (before the Recession and budget cuts) and still work where I interact with people all the time.
For me, AvPD is kind of selective; I do very well for a period of time, but then suddenly feel anxiety around people and then insomnia and depression. I have explained to the people who ask why I'm alone, (unmarried, not dating, unpartnered) that I "use up my social energy" to get through the day. When I get home at night, I just can't summon the energy or motivation or interest or whatever to work on more emotional and intimate relationships. I need and enjoy a LOT of alone time to recharge. The problem for me is that I can't seem to maintain or form that closeness that part of me really longs to build.
I don't know if that helps or not, but I do appreciate your willingness to post here, and hope you can find some support.
Tim

Actually, your post does help. I've not understood how this works, particularly when I'm so active around people in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, for some reason I can't function. I've forgotten how to make friends, and keep the ones I have. So if someone else is seeing that, then maybe that's okay.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. It's very difficult, and most people don't see how hard you are working. I don't know if this is possible, but maybe AvPD functions by degrees? I think there are some of us so stricken, that we cannot function, in some cases, cannot even leave the house. Others can function normally in some areas and less so in others. I think there are folks who may function very normally, but just feel a constant emotional stress. I'm not sure if there is anything to this, it's just an observation. No matter what, I hope you feel acceptance and understanding in your life. I think we all need more of that.