Being social should not be an act
BUT
one can build assertiveness skills
build social skills
and through this progressively get more out of social contact

idealising people
will attract narcissists
being a pleaser
will lead to be used
being a victim/door mat/massochist
will lead to being victimised by bullies/sadists/narcissists
being false or forcing yourself to be what you are not
will lead to being surrounded by false people or despised by real ones

liking yourself, being comfortable with yourself
will eventually lead to others who also like themselves and are comfortable with themselves

there will be neighborhood or community houses near you
any community group you can join once a week would give you some practice
volunteering would also give you practice in social contact with others

it is about challenging yourself
and that’s very very very different to just ‘putting it on’

one is about being
the other about appearing

if you practice being you will attract people with integrity
if you practice appearing you will attract game players

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.