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I Want to Be Understood By Just One Person

I find it hard to be. My mother never tried to understand me, nor the rest of my family.
Foster carers didn't either. Having no friends at school, because of the inability to make them made it hard too.
I became secluded from people, enjoying more time to myself, and losing myself in my hobbies.
At first, I didn't care; people proved to be a distraction. But as I grew older, it was the idea of sharing things with someone who would at least understand.
I care for my partner, but he as well doesn't understand mental health, or anxiety or depression or even writing or art. It makes it hard to have common ground with him.

I know that friends are hard to make, especially online as the more time passes it becomes more about other things than just talking.
I want one person to understand me, or that has had some of the same things happen. Because sometimes it does feel lonely. It'd be nice not to feel boring as well, as sometimes that is another thing that crosses my mind.
Kerennya · 51-55, F
I won't lie to you and say that I know exactly what you've been through, because I don't - I've never been in foster care, for instance. But I do know one thing - the issue you describe is called attachment, and it's something I struggle with, too. Am struggling with right now, if I'm really honest. You can Google 'attachment theory' if you are interested in learning more about it.

I can tell you a couple of things I've learned, though. 1. If I want a friend, I first need to be a friend - that means looking for needs around me and seeing if there is just one I can meet. I find that that tends to be attractive to people. 2. The second is never underestimate the power of my personal story. I read about an exercise recently that involves telling three things from your day and how you felt about them. I've used it a few times out here on SW when I've felt so lonely I couldn't stand it, though there's no reason it couldn't be done in person. I honestly believe that for more introverted people (of which I am one), this is a skill that doesn't come naturally to us - we have to learn it. I'm trying to actively practice this more in my life. Stories are naturally interesting to people (why do you think we love books and movies so much?) - and they can be a way to connect with others.

I find the trick with the exercise is to mentally get myself to a place where I have no expectations about the response - I just let people respond as they feel led. It's not uncommon for there to be one person who makes a snarky comment - I let them, and ignore it. I've learned that when someone sounds impatient, it's not always about me, it can just be about what's going on with them in the moment.

For you, if you decide to give this exercise a try, and you choose to do the exercise in person with someone, I recommend looking for quiet moments when the other person isn't obviously busy. If in doubt, you can ask if they have a moment to speak to you. If they tell you they're busy in the moment, don't take it personally - ask if you can talk later. Behavior that is considerate of other people is attractive, and is more likely to get you the kind of response you're looking for.

Good luck to you!
LonelySoul · 26-30, M
Message me if you need someone to talk... I'll do my best to understand you and I promise I won't judge.

I had a similar experience a while ago but gladly I'm over it and I'm a happy place right now. And I could really use someone to share stuff with and not be judge or misunderstood
plantbased · 61-69, M
I am like you in some ways, I like being alone, yet I also like company too, one person in my life can be enough to satisfy me...yet I know this is not realistic...wanting one person to understand you means having to be really truthful with that person..to be totally naked metaphorically speaking requires self knowledge and courage...I believe we are all seeking that, and knowing that person will not judge us....

 
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