First Thread Post

Hello, all!

This is my first time on 7 Cups! Besides that, I am not sure what to add to an introduction...

Anyway, I thought I would try this as I was looking for an anonymous outlet, and Google's AI Overview said this was a good place to start.

I am not diagnosed with anything, mainly because I have not been tested, and I am not one for self-diagnosing/labeling. The past year or 2, I came to the realization that I do not think I feel on the same level as others.

I struggle with empathy, sympathy, and forming emotional bonds and connections. Not for a lack of trying, but I just feel vacant in that department. I would not say it affects me personally, but I recognize how it can impact those closer to me, who want an emotional bond.

I want to be able to support people when they are upset, but things seem so little to me that I can not get emotionally invested, so I am left saying the cliché "I'm here if you need help", but then when they need help, I draw blanks.

Most of my struggles in life I have kind of beared by myself and now I think I just expect others to do the same, even though I know people can react differently to certain events.

This also affects me in my work-life as I do not come off as warm or cheery.

I have tried going to counselors, but I usually treat them as one-offs, before I can get into anything of actual substance.

There is definitely more I could add, but I will leave it there for now. Thank you all in advance for reading.