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Shoulder to Shoulder: Veterans

Connection

Connection

Hi everyone

Do you ever find yourself feeling lonely even when you’re surrounded by people?

I sometimes feel alone - which is fine - but feeling lonely is a whole different thing. Sometimes it feels like my friends aren’t interested in spending time with me. I feel like I’m always the one reaching out to connect - it makes me feel needy and like I’m imposing. I know that’s not the case but sometimes it feels like it is. Does that make sense?

How do others find connection? And how do you make friends when you’re a grown-up?

36 replies

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In response to: Connection

Re: Connection

@Magpie22 @Azalea @BecomingOkay @ccau_82 @0ddsidian

Now I am wondering if unrelenting standards go along with the abandonment schema? I definitely have both as well. My self-worth is very linked to achievement. This is an interesting thought.

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

Interesting thought you've raised @Oaktree . Why i say that is because you mentioned that your self-worth is linked to achievement, right?

I feel that is me too. Hence I have all these sticky notes and I'm super super goal-focussed. I don't stop until I have achieved those things and if I don't achieve them, then I feel like I failed.

I've had these convos with @Captain24 as well. It's the sticky notes that keep me going.

Is this what you mean @Oaktree ?

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

Definitely my lists that get me out of bed everyday. @tyme @Oaktree. If I don’t get them done then I’m a complete failure. I don’t earn any me time if the lists aren’t complete

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

@tyme @Captain24

If I don't do extremely well, I feel like I have failed even if I passed something. It is pretty dumb really. I wish I could be a little more blase about things.

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

It's hard. Perfectionism can be a pain too @Oaktree . A burden?

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

I get that @Oaktree. If it’s not perfect then it’s not good enough. However it is never perfect as the goal posts keep moving.

I’m trying to ever so slowly drop this bar just a little. It’s not easy and I’m really struggling with it but I’m trying to give it a go. I’m hoping that I can be gentle with myself while I attempt to work through this.

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

@Captain24 @tyme

I am trying to work on my perfectionism as well. I am trying to remember to celebrate my wins and not just keep moving onto the next thing. As Captain24 says the goal posts keep moving. Yes perfectionism is a burden. Nothing is ever perfect because perfect doesn't exist. No matter how well I do I always say that I could have done better! It's an all or nothing mindset. It is harmful and not helpful.

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

It’s black and white thinking @Oaktree. We need to find some shade of grey. Even if it’s just a little bit. I haven’t found it yet myself but it’s another one of those things I’m trying to work on. There is so much to work on and it’s so hard. Just want you to know I get it and I hear you.

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

I feel like we all have an element of perfectionism to work on and it's okay that we have this, however, if it becomes an insurmountable issue that gets in the way of your life, then that's when there are red flags? @Oaktree @Captain24 @Magpie22 ?

In response to: Re: Connection

Re: Connection

@Captain24

If you find the answer to how to go easier on yourself can you please let me in on the secret?

I need to be more compassionate with myself really. I wouldn't think less of another person if they only got passes in things or didn't do things perfectly. However, I am so hard on myself. It really doesn't make any sense. I am still trying to work out who I am trying to prove myself to.

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