Yes, the key word was “close” friends. Having someone you care about who you can share just about anything with has no substitute. Introversion isn’t the same as shyness; it has to do with what what type and amount of social interaction you enjoy, not what you’re able to do. The fact that you have lots of people you’d call friends, but don’t feel completely fulfilled by their friendship and want something deeper and more personal, leads me to believe you’re more introverted than you think.
I agree with the post above advising “Wait, don’t panic”. I experienced (still do, sort of) exactly what you describe, and the people I developed the closest friendships with did as well. In fact, it was one of the primary contexts in which we were able to bond. As an intelligent person in a frequently alienating world, it can be very easy to feel disconnected and emotionally isolated. Don’t immediately conclude that you have a disorder that requires medical treatment.
So, if it helps: a lot of people experience what you are going through. A lot of people feel empty. It might be learned helplessness, a self-defense mechanism, or something else entirely. But if you are interested in becoming a better, more fulfilled person, and willing to put in the work required, don’t conclude you are broken. Make change, be open to happiness and emotion.
Also, I’m not going to claim that psychadelics don’t have potential value in the arena of personal growth, but at your current position they are probably not an optimal strategy.
Well, it sure sounds like a problem to me! I again refer you to psychedelics, they’re great for breaking mental barriers like that. And, again, only try them if you know what you’re getting into, i.e. have done many hours of research on using them specifically for introspection and therapy. (I say that for the benefit of others who might read this, not yourself; you’re clearly smart enough to not just jump right into psychedelic drugs...)
Yes, the key word was “close” friends. Having someone you care about who you can share just about anything with has no substitute. Introversion isn’t the same as shyness; it has to do with what what type and amount of social interaction you enjoy, not what you’re able to do. The fact that you have lots of people you’d call friends, but don’t feel completely fulfilled by their friendship and want something deeper and more personal, leads me to believe you’re more introverted than you think.
I believe I do indeed have a difficulty connecting with people in such a manner. Can that also be a psychological problem?
I agree with the post above advising “Wait, don’t panic”. I experienced (still do, sort of) exactly what you describe, and the people I developed the closest friendships with did as well. In fact, it was one of the primary contexts in which we were able to bond. As an intelligent person in a frequently alienating world, it can be very easy to feel disconnected and emotionally isolated. Don’t immediately conclude that you have a disorder that requires medical treatment.
So, if it helps: a lot of people experience what you are going through. A lot of people feel empty. It might be learned helplessness, a self-defense mechanism, or something else entirely. But if you are interested in becoming a better, more fulfilled person, and willing to put in the work required, don’t conclude you are broken. Make change, be open to happiness and emotion.
Also, I’m not going to claim that psychadelics don’t have potential value in the arena of personal growth, but at your current position they are probably not an optimal strategy.
Well, it sure sounds like a problem to me! I again refer you to psychedelics, they’re great for breaking mental barriers like that. And, again, only try them if you know what you’re getting into, i.e. have done many hours of research on using them specifically for introspection and therapy. (I say that for the benefit of others who might read this, not yourself; you’re clearly smart enough to not just jump right into psychedelic drugs...)