Ive been married 421/2 yrs, both head injurys in this time. But I have trouble connecting with people often. plus lousy face/name memory is a big problem. Had it happened when I was single, I probably would have really found it difficult. Be hoping that someone special was out there. Don't give up Josh, some girls are still shy even today, that could come across differently and seem not what it is. Just be sure its the right girl for you.

I had mine sept 9, 2011. Relationships are still challenging, but I don't think in terms of struggle, for I am 48 so active dating,friendships, and the social mask I wear is different altogether. I am still feeling like I'm in my early thirties. I was not expecting toi loose my friends though. I had a hard time coping with that. I lost what I lost close friends that were close for years. I was reduced to none. My ortho, physical and speech therapist are my only friends now, and that extends to phone relationships only. I prefer in some ways to leave it there. I don't like everyday relationships except family. I am a different person now. Core bedliefs and ideals are the same but Iwas vastly different pre-accident. I got to see my pre-accident co workers, and I loved it, but daily keeping that up, I couldn't do it now. I love them, but I want to keep the memory precious to me, so I don't keep in touch. I have to keep the pre-accident friends in the past. I am not the same, so why should that be the same. I have resigned myself to the 15 years rule that I have. If I had friends 15 or more years, I keep up with. They are so long term that we can make it. I am better now than 1 year ago. If I were younger I would not be able to reconcile dating. So, my hat goes off to you. I figure I'm pathetic if at 48 my brother of 51 has custody. Your picture is sexy. So it isn't as if your ugly. You have looks going for you, so you'll have an easier time in a lot of ways.......

Thank you guys, I appreciate it! I guess I have just been really down on myself lately, because i see all my friends going off and getting married or moving on to bigger things. I'm currently in a college town so all my friends are in college. I've had a bunch of friends already come and go, but this time it hurt.

I understand about difficulties in relationships. I have struggled with this problem since my accident 5 years ago. It is so hard to deal with loved ones because they either don't believe I have a problem (I look okay) or they forget that I have deficits. Not much understanding or patience. Not much sympathy or kindness. Every time I have a disagreement with anyone, they simply get mad because I don't react right and then I am a bad guy. I have lived my life as an honest person and raised my kids to be honest but now I am being labeled as a liar because I can't recall things right. I get so confused about why people can't remember from day to day that I have problems.

I have absent seizures, and they may last the blink of an eye and I wouldn't know, or a bit longer. But in that time it can be like cleaning a window, info wiped away. Not just from that time. its like your life is in bits and pieces. Now I just say, had head injury, sorry, don't remember, when need to. I also have had permanent not to call on for any jury duty because of it. And I write things down. Be a help if I could remember where I safely put things.

I know what you mean harleydeb, it sucks! I look just fine too yet it seems that only I can see and understand my day to day problems (except for close immediate family.)

Keep the faith Josh! I met my BF AFTER his TBI. Let me tell you it was/is trying, BUT, I have learned alot about TBI's (more than his family!), and am coping. I love him and I know he loves me, but he has a tough time showing it. You need someone who love you for you and your beautiful brain, quirks, anger...etc. Don't get down on yourself.

Most importantly, begin all relationships with honesty regarding your TBI. Suggest they do some reseach online. I've known my BF over a year and it was only 6 months ago that I began reading pages and realized he wasn't being an ass, I was just uninformed!

I could go on and on. Perhaps soon! LOL Right now I just popped on this site because I am little pissed off at his lack of empathy and libido (damn meds!!!!). I have to go strangle him... I meant wake him from his nap, now. ;)

All the best to you.

(PS: There's folks I know that dislike my BF but I have a few choice words for those ignorant buttheads. Avoid those types at all cost!)

My boyfriend is actually in rehab. Right now. Horrible horrible car crash he has an aneurism while driving anyway. I feel your pain its difficult with him sometimes, people with tbi have alot to deal with and people who don't see it as bothersome
I don't I was with my boyfriend before the accident and I'm not leaving his side now
you'll find people no worries

I had my tbi about 5 and a half years ago. I was so angry in the first couple of years at times the I pushed pretty much everyone away from me. Apart from my family. So I know what you are talking about. It sucks but I try to accept that they are gone now. Funny I was in New Orleans last week and I was a bit sad leaving as I knew i wouldn't be back. I mean I could go back but there are far too many other places to visit but i had a wonderful time in New Orleans and nobody can take that from me. A girl I met there who I got on well with and told about some of my issues told me that I should think of my ex who left after my tbi and my friends in the same way. They were there for a period of my life but that is over now and their leaving me has just made room for some new people. In the last year or so I ahve met some nice new people. We'll see how it goes but I'm glad to say the friendship part of my life has taken off again. I seem to be able to control my moods too now. Love will come again one day I am sure of that. I think its ok to wait for someone worth your time instead of just lots of silly short flings. I know its a cliche but things do have a way of working out, just because I wanted it before doesn't mean I was ready for it.
Did you ever hear that expression that people come in to your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Well I know who those friends were that came in to my life for a season, a pretty long plus 20 years season but that season is over now and that girl I met in New Orleans who I just got on really well, I feel like she came into my life for a reason. I only knew her a few days but she helped me figure out some things that I needed too, i left my address but she hasn't got in touch yet but its ok as maybe thats what she was supposed to do for me. A reason a season. Its not easy but take a deep breath and just try take your time getting to know poeple. I think things will work out in time

actually that girl I became friendly with got in touch after all, so don't give up but remember not everything is always going to work out and when it doesn't we just have to pick ourselves up dust ourselves off and get going again. Its not easy, certainly not after a tbi but we just have to keep going and remember that we have another chance and thats more than many get.

I am sorry you've been going through this. I think that the hardest thing about it is the loneliness, but the thing about reaching out (like you have on here) and possibly to others) I think you find people who are truly genuine, who know what you are going through and are willing to help here and there with some advice. I had my accident when I was 13 and it was hard even being young putting my life back together, because people didn't know what I was going through. I had a hard time (and still do) have a hard time telling people how I feel and how they can help me. I think there are people out there who wanna meet you, that know what you're going through. I hope you keep trying:)

Thank you Miles, I have been very lonely, especially lately. What's the hardest about it is that I am at that age where you meet new people and you move on to the next and so on and so forth. I had my accident my senior year of high school, right in the middle of that transition period of life. Needless to say it has been really hard to make friends, but not impossible, but really difficult none-the-less!!!