Am I Normal Or Not?

[Swiper]

Ok I think I already know what most of you are going to say, but I need to know what other people think. I don't think I am normal, I don't think I have any real feelings. I hate people! I hate other people so much. I hate having to interact with anyone else. I love my husband, my daughter, my mum and my nana and that's it, I don't really like my dad, brother, cousins etc. I don't understand why people go all gooey over other peoples babies. I look at other people's kids and don't see anything. I don't think they are cute or adorable. I can't look people in the eye. I hate eye contact. I hate people standing too close to me. If I can stretch out my arms and touch you, then you are too close to me. I don't care if people are dying in Africa, I don't want to donate to charity. I don't want to talk to other people. I'm only 28 but I have been like this for years. I'm surprised I found someone to love and someone who loves me. My husband is social and understands me, but I feel like a let down, I never go anywhere with my husband and daughter and I know that he would love to take me to a restaurant but the thought disgusts me. I'm not sure if I will even look back to see what people write as I'm sure it will be a tirade of abuse rather than helpful answers.

[Jeza]

What do you think is normal Swiper. Look at my avatar.

[Mamyalynne]

What you are is very honest, the question is - do you want to change this situation or can you not just make peace with who you are ?

[cupid04]

Did you have a difficult upbringing. If the answer is yes this could be the reason you feel like you do.

[Swiper]

Oh god, thank you jeza. Hahaha I actually have 2 cats who I think I like more than most people.

[hc4361]

Perfectly normal. Instead of beating yourself up because of your negatives make the effort to appear to enjoy the social events you need to attend to make your family happy, like everyone else has to

[Wharton]

I'm with you Swiper, people are ok till you get to know them :-)

[Mass_Hysteria]

I'm not medical but it sounds a little agoraphobic possibly. Maybe a trip to you GP may help?

[Wharton]

.....and you've got 2 cats? Names please - I'm a cat-man :-)

[Jeza]

Mic and I have no family. No real friends either, Acquaintances that's all. Our own doing, for several reasons.

[cupid04]

And I'm Catwoman!!!! My tomcat is called Butch and he has a feeble miaow, not befitting his name.

[starone]

Why should you think we would abuse you? Most of the people on AB try to help. I know I have had a great deal of help given me. You love the people that matter to you, so nothing wrong there. Your husband loves you and is proud of you. He obviously would like to take you out and show how much he loves you but if you are unable to do that he accepts the situation. Many of the other things you mention apply to other people but they are not honest enough to say it so nothing wrong with that either. It seems to me that you cannot accept it yourself so why not see your GP and try to arrange for some guidance and counselling.

[Jeza]

Long since past, I had a cat named Barney. He was tall and long and heavy but not fat. I loved that cat to pieces. When he died it broke my heart. I still think of him everyday.He would sit on the back shelf in the car. I took him everywhere with me.

[FredPuli43]

You are a classic introvert (or intravert, if you read Eysenck). You are not alone; I am pretty much the same and match almost everything you say. People find it extraordinary, considering that I spent my life making speeches to groups of strangers, but that's not the test. Plenty of performers are introverts; they have a stage persona but in private they are like you.

One thing is a little bit curious and doesn't fit my experience . Why do you find restaurants disagreeable, even though you'd be there with your husband? Do you feel that people are looking at you? That is certainly disagreeable, if they are, but they are not; they are far to wrapped up in themselves to give you any more than the fleeting glance which you, I expect, give to people who pass by or who sit near you.

[askyourgran]

I think you should see your GP too. Nothing exactly wrong about your feelings, but you seem very negative about everyone and come across as depressive. Perhaps the reason you have actually put your feelings into words is that you are deep down a little worried about it all. I bet your husband and daughter would love you to come out of your self-imposed shell and enjoy life with them, you are a long time dead. Enjoy their company and make time for making memories with both of them for later years.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

yes you're normal.
I'd be one of those people you'd particularly hate.
I love people but worry that they don't like me so I'm quite extrovert.
I swear, I don't think I've ever met a "normal" person or a family which isn't dysfunctional.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Looking at my previous answer, it doesn't really explain it.
I am a bit of a loner and like my own company, ignoring the door when I don't want to answer tc, but put in front of people I probably try too hard and know it so I hate being there.
If you're not normal, neither am I and neither is half the world I suspect.

[Jeza]

Mo, I never answer the door unless I know who's knocking at it. Even then I often don't.

[Wharton]

Gonnae jist gie's the cats' names?

[Jeza]

Wharton, why are her cat's names important to you

If you want cats names I'll give you mine. I've had, Barney, Boris, Odessa, Nelson. Bobbin, Sparky, Nosey, Bella and Missy. All in the space of 20 years. Sometimes 5 ,sometimes 3 sometimes, just one. Now none.

[cupid04]

Try and look at the positives In your life instead of the negatives. You have a husband, daughter, mother and nan who love you. Visit your GP and tell him/her of your fears and he will assess whether you need help with counselling or not. Please do this for yourself and not to please everyone else. I know what it's like to feel unhappy with myself at times so a visit to your GP would be a good idea even if it's just to put your mind at rest.
I hope you find what you're looking for. Love Cupid04.xx