[JonSkeptic]

>It is also the case that, being 'normal' takes a degree of energy and conscious thought that is instinctive for most, but to me is a significant expenditure of energy. I think it analogous to speaking a second language.

Sounds about right. I thought it was pretty 'normal' to feel this way sometimes...

[LaGrange]

There’s an old psychiatric joke: there are no healthy people, they’re just not diagnosed yet.

I’m not a psychopath, but I have high levels of social anxiety and probably high functional Aspergers. Every situation I didn’t rehearse in my head is incredibly exhausting, and even then, if it gets too complex I feel the urge to withdraw — and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a jerk coworker being a jerk or someone I like dropping a compliment bomb on me, or even, if I’m not the best shape, a partner being affectionate.

We override our deficiencies, but it’s tiring.

[Carlee]

I had a teacher who worked in a psych ward. She insisted that everyone has a trait of each mental issue you could name - you just don't get a diagnose until it's a big enough issue for the person.

[mcguire]

Of course. The difference between "personality trait" and diagnosable illness is whether or not it causes you or others significant problems. There is no difference in kind, only in degree.

[pbhjpbhj]

Interesting - my social anxieties exhibit themselves mostly in when I have time to think about it then I "psych" myself out.

If someone calls me on the phone then I can have a good conversation, palpations and sweating aside. However if I have to call someone then unless I do it immediately whilst suppressing the desire to think about what I'll say I go to complete mush and procrastinate my way to distraction. Mainly it's one-to-one I have a problem with.

[Havoc]

>I thought it was pretty 'normal' to feel this way sometimes...

I'm guessing you're an introvert, right? It seems to me that most introverts experience social situations as "draining".