I've been struggling recently. It's like I'm getting overwhelmed not just by what I've lost due to this illness, but the fact that I don't seem to have the foundation necessary to move forward. At 36 I've never been on a date, I live alone, and am very introverted. I like being around people but I struggle to talk at length with anyone. I don't really have any friendships that I find fulfilling. People like me, but they don't typically want to spend much time with me. I have a job that I sometimes really enjoy, but it doesn't pay well. I have a counseling appointment scheduled, but not for over 3 weeks. I struggle to pass so much time by myself and things I otherwise might enjoy I'm either too tired too do or they now seem pointless because I'm not doing them with or for anyone.

Ben, I want to tell you that there is no shame in being alone or introverted! I’ve never been on a date myself because of my fears of socializing with people but I wish for the very best for you!

No not Ben!!! I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. I thought you went on a date a couple weeks ago? Remember there’s no right time to find your person! Maybe find ways to make more friends I’m sure you would feel less lonely just having friends

“Isn’t it ironic? Don’t ya think?” Just like the rest of that song, it’s not actually ironic that the blahs can overwhelm us. And yes, “us”; you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and not being able to point out why, even feeling overwhelmed when “on paper” it doesn’t look like we even have much going on. Talking with people is hard! But look at how well you’ve made connections here! Sure, we have anonymity here. Sure, it’s a format where we can respond in our own measure. BUT IT’S STILL SOCIAL INTERACTION! The anonymity is so we can more easily share about our OCD with people who understand that a horrible thought isn’t the same as a true desire, and that it’s not “weird” when we suddenly seem frozen by a seemingly arbitrary “rule”. So this site is social, but it’s also so much deeper than general social niceties. I think of you as my friend, and I would absolutely choose to spend time with you! I’m sorry you have to wait so long between appointments. I’m here to help you pass that anxious time, and I’m sure so many other of your FRIENDS here are here for you now as you always are for us! I also know what it feels like when those blahs make doing any activity you usually enjoy seem pointless. Here’s a suggestion: Do it anyway! Sometimes we can trick the blahs and actually have a moment where we enjoy ourselves before the blahs realize they let it slip. My FRIEND, I wish you find a knife among all those 10,000 spoons when you need one. I also wish that you learn, sometimes you can actually cut something with one of those spoons when you can’t find that knife. Outsider think our OCD makes us inflexible, they just don’t see how adaptable we are because they don’t see the internal forces we fight and flex against so vastly while externally seeming stuck. 💜💪🏼