Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
Seriously people, I really have no idea what this consists of for myself or for someone I would consider a friend.
I have seen many different threads talking about people being introverted or extroverted, has seen people post about hating people, about hating humanity, then I have seen open post where people can ask anybody to be their friends.
I don't consider myself antisocial, though I do not like to spend a lot of time around people, I can be very friendly and amiable to other people. I just have a very difficult time being around people in general.
Even with the comes to people here on DS, I often do not know how to react when given hugs or private messages of support or fall condolence. I often leave these messages unanswered for the simple reason I do not know what to say or how to respond.
This not really that I have fear of people or even that I don't want to be around them.
I have just never lived in a situation where social interaction has been an important part of my life, so though I may know how to put on a happy face and play the social game I have no clue how to be a friend or how to accept friendship from others.
I only post this because it has become an issue in my relationship, my partner wants friends and to be able to hang out with people and I have no clue how to do that and be a friend.
This goes out to those who have faced these difficulties or anyone who may understand.
How Do You Be A Friend?
The Wolf
I have seen many different threads talking about people being introverted or extroverted, has seen people post about hating people, about hating humanity, then I have seen open post where people can ask anybody to be their friends.
I don't consider myself antisocial, though I do not like to spend a lot of time around people, I can be very friendly and amiable to other people. I just have a very difficult time being around people in general.
Even with the comes to people here on DS, I often do not know how to react when given hugs or private messages of support or fall condolence. I often leave these messages unanswered for the simple reason I do not know what to say or how to respond.
This not really that I have fear of people or even that I don't want to be around them.
I have just never lived in a situation where social interaction has been an important part of my life, so though I may know how to put on a happy face and play the social game I have no clue how to be a friend or how to accept friendship from others.
I only post this because it has become an issue in my relationship, my partner wants friends and to be able to hang out with people and I have no clue how to do that and be a friend.
This goes out to those who have faced these difficulties or anyone who may understand.
How Do You Be A Friend?
The Wolf
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
Friendship and socializing are two different things. Like you and me - We don't like each other and we would never socialize with each other. But I care about what happens to you and you sent well wishes to me - that is what I consider a friend.
Socializing is about good manners, charm, having fun.....all things you can fake until it comes more natural to you. Try to find people you have things in common with. Put a smile and your face and say 'thank you' a lot.
Your Friend,
Belle
Think about things to talk about prior to the social interaction so you won't be stuck with nothing to talk about.. I find I'm at a loss for words when I'm not comfortable...
Ask questions.. People like to talk about themselves and things that are important to them so it can get dialogue flowing
I have a social anxiety and am friendly as hell at the same time.. I'm very uncomfortable if I'm with more then a couple of people and limit the time I spend when socializing..
Perhaps you and t can meet partway... Start with a couple of people for short amounts of time.. lunch or something that doesn't require a lot of interaction but will get you out like a movie or bowling..
Good for you for trying sweetie.. It takes courage..xo
I think that way. I seriously do. There are some people who are not on my friends list, but I still consider them my friends.
And, the only reason that I don't have an open profile is because of where I live locally, not necessary because of others elsewhere. I had a tiff with a local about a year ago and it was on here, so that is why I am on a "private" setting.
Sometimes, I don't consider myself smart enough or I might be too dysfuncitonal and sometimes, I am not someone's friend because of *temptation* LOL-like if a guy is too cute or something, you know. I have to really seperate myself from the male gender before friending, and then sometimes I have a spiritual awakening and can accept the person for who they are and not how "cute" they may be, see.
So, I am a friend to all on here, but the ones who are the most *tolerant* are normally the ones on my friends with on the actual list. And some folks on the friends list are experts and I can ask them questions.
I consider EVERYONE on the Bipolar disorder forum a friend.
As for basic socializing offline--that's a bit messed up right now.
As for you, WW, I have always had a very deep respect for you and I know that you go through quite a lot.
You admit your wrong, and try to change for the better.....
If being "nice" is foreign, then that is where you start : ) My silly thoughts - keep it simple always works when changing behaviors.
If you do wish to expand your circle of comfort just say what's on your mind, as I have seen you do and don't overly think about the consequences if it's coming from your heart.
I think lilchit's avi says it best for situations such as your's...and so many others. "What others may think of me is none of my business."
Try keeping that in your mind as you post from the heart. Sorry is as easy to say as thank you and both are widely accepted amongst friends.
peace
My understanding of a friend is that you understand each other,care for each other etc.
As you may know, every friendship is different and you have to fiqure out who is and who is not your friend. Only you can make that decision...
I can go to a "friends" cook-out and not "Know" anyone or really care to Bond - just get out and meet people, learn to enjoy others, whether they click or not....
Being willing to meet people, open opportunities for your partner, that would be friendly to her... so, you DO know how to make friends!!!!!
Very rarely do we meet people we WANT to hang out with, instantly... Not wanting to put them down, or discard them at "Hello" always promising!
Sometimes it's just the anticipation of the thing that freaks me out, and I'm actually okay once I get there, and other times, I'm really truly miserable the whole time. Maybe I'm moody or something?
Sometimes I can be out with my friends and have a great time, and other times, it's kind of boring. Is it ME? Is it them? Who knows. If you don't have a great time, don't just write them off if you think they have potential.....maybe give it another shot. It could have been an off-night for any or all of you!
Do you like card games or board games? I know it sounds silly, but I honestly have a blast playing them. There are so many interesting ones to choose from, too. Host a game night, maybe. Start off with just one other couple so it's not overwhelming.