Is it normal that i rarely hung out with people growing up?

73% Normal
2 Comments

The majority of my childhood was spent indoors and on a computer. It was hard for me to get the hang of 'socializing', never mind 'hanging out'. I've finally progressed to "acting normal" around people most of the time (though usually quiet) and have a few good friends who I talk to online more than in person. The shyness was a mix of apathy, low confidence, inability to relate to people, and, I suspect, lower than average social awareness in the first half of my life.

Anyway... I just feel like I missed out on a lot. I did not start doing things until age 17 and that's because I got a boyfriend who showed me simple things that people do together--parks, restaurants, movies. It hurts to look back on what should've been some of the greatest times of my life and realizing there's just a huge void.

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73% Normal
Based on 37 votes (27 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • Golden
    11 years ago

    A lot of people miss out on certain aspects of childhood. It is sad and regrettable in a way, but really some people have a very awful childhood and not only miss out, but become scarred in addition. What matters is how you live now and really, it sounds as if you've had a great kick off to the fun part of adulthood. Don’t worry about not being “normal” in your past. Normal is boring and most people I know feel they’re either not normal or too normal. Don't think of your past as a void, but as something you can reflect on. Also, perhaps your quiet childhood helped make you a more reflective and self-aware person. It sounds like you know yourself well and trust me; this is something many people struggle with when used to large company and active lifestyle: learning to be on your own, learning to reflect and be comfortable by yourself. Pat yourself on the back for that because there are people out there paying good money in therapy to learn how to do that. And don’t worry, there are a lot more great times in life that will come by and I’m sure you’ll catch them! ;)

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  • Kababaza
    11 years ago

    I relate to your story 100%. I was raised in a very quiet neighborhood, where most of the houses around me were for rent or for sale. This meant having no friends back at home, and created a socially awkward behavior in me when I began going to school. I'm still somewhat socially awkward and sometimes may even NEED the quiet and disconnection I had from society as a child, but even though I look back and wish I did things differently, it doesn't mean I can't do things now. Yes, it may be different, but if we can't turn back time, we might as well build the future.

    The greatest time of your life can be taken at any time and at any place at what ever part during your lifetime. So please don't raise that pessimistic thought; its not true at all. :)

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