Hello,

I am a sufferer of social anxiety and OCD. I am hoping to connect with others that share similar struggles.

It's a lonely life when others fail to see past your reserved, quiet, nervous first-impression to discover the smart, humourous, friendly person you actually are under the surface.

Over the past 15 years I have made and lost many "friends". It is exhausting to open up and let people in, only for them to eventually stop being interested in you or show any sort of care. Those experiences just make my social anxiety worse, and making new friends all the more difficult. 

At this stage in my life, mid-30s, my mum and dad are my best and only true friends. I am extremely happy to call them my friends and value every moment that we share. But I also know that they won't be around forever, and when they are gone I will be truly alone. 

So I am here. Hoping to make some connections. To be understood and accepted for who I am.