I still think there is a balance I can strive for. It’s possible to to be genuine and not be rude at the same time. There’s still certain people I’m not going to connect with and I’ve accepted that.

Thank you Peter and Hellcat.

Hellcat, most people are not direct when they don’t like someone and just ignore them or fade off and stop responding to them. In the past, I used to come off as needy by trying too hard to keep contacting people. Now I just let things go if someone doesn’t respond on an equal basis. If I’m usually the one initiating conversations, that’s a sign that things are one-sided. After that, I might give it some time. If it’s apparent the person isn’t interested then I’m done.

Peter, I understand your point about measuring things. Knowing factually correct information is something I value. However, relationships are rarely black and white.

I don’t mind new perspectives. I study and look up articles to challenge my own beliefs and assumptions. There are some personalities that do not mesh well. Sometimes our core-values and expectations are so different that it is best to spend time on other things.

Anita, I do not doubt you have good intentions. In the other thread that you were referring to, it seemed you were trying to take control over what content I provide and how I should respond. I admit I can be blunt, some may think that is rude. Trying to fit into the social structures of a society has been a challenge for me. My intention is to simply seek input and possible solutions.

I try to be efficient in my social interactions. It’s very common for people to say things that aren’t true because they want to be polite and think it will make someone feel better. If I already know that my personality will not mesh with someone, I’d rather give more attention to someone else. I’ve been working on having more tact and do not completely ignore people when they talk to me. This situation isn’t difficult to avoid since very few strangers approach me to start a conversation. Sorry if I didn’t answer all of your questions right now.

I really would rather someone not talk to me at all than say a few meaningless phrases out of obligation. I am not disrespectful to someone unless I say something disrespectful. Having a fake plastered smile, laughing at jokes that aren’t funny, and saying “It was great talking to you”, when you didn’t enjoy the conversation is what I’m referring to.

There are many things I like about myself and many things I want to improve. I do feel kind of disconnected from the society I live in because many people who are praised for their positivity are not the kind of people that I prefer to be around. They do not seem genuine. There are people who think you should smile all the time and be polite to everyone by saying certain phrases. I don’t think that is positive. You may have wasted someone’s time who thought you genuinely liked talking to them.

I see one friend once a week and another once a month. They have responsibilities and do not have the time. I have been to meetup groups in the past, but most people start with the stock questions.