How come I just want to make friends and nobody likes me

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Hi @ArraDreaming

I know I haven't spoken to you lots on here, but I find you fine to talk to. We all have our ups and downs, sometimes more chatty than other times.

Sometimes I can't keep up with conversations on here and then other times I feel like I am the only one on the forums.

There are sometimes where I struggle to communicate, scared I'll say the wrong thing or not know how to help someone.

Believe it or not, I used to be terrified of dogs as a kid. For me to get used to dogs, I needed to see a benefit. Something I could GAIN from being around a dog. That's when I slowwwwlllllyyy got exposed to dogs @ArraDreaming

In this case, if people experience regularly how fun it is to connect with you, and that you don't 'bark or bite' (you know what I mean), then people may be more comfortable connecting.

The times you have connected on Sunday Hangout have been incredible. It brings life and action to the chat and helps people to get to know you better.

Same with your gardening thread on the forums.

100%. You have amazing qualities that I'm sure people would love to see more of @ArraDreaming

You are super fun to chat with and be around.

@ArraDreaming I struggle with making friends too. Besides my hubby and kids, I find it really scary to talk to people. I struggle with social connections too.

I'm sure there are many people on here that do.

I don't have all the answers, but I'm thinking, "exposure therapy"? Let people see the real YOU. The fun you. The one who wants to connect with people and doesn't tell people to "shut up" etc. The one who has a lot to share about Country and Culture. One who can share the joys and woes of parenting three young children. One who is intensely loyal and pulls out new ideas all the time @ArraDreaming

Thoughts?