Is it normal that i recognize i've changed and miss my former self?

I feel you. I used to be an easy going, extroverted and hyper person, but after years of bullying I ended up developing social anxiety, and I became a gloomy, shy, introverted girl who speaks in a monotone tone and tries to blend in with the walls. People have described me as cold, unaproachable and boring, and it hurts because deep inside of me I still feel like I'm the happy-go-lucky girl I used to be, but I'm trapped inside myself and I hate it. It's normal to miss your former self.

What sparked the change?

My previous self was disorganized and mad. Now I am just mad. So no-matter what I am still a loon. Im good with that!

I'm like that too lately. I figure it's because I'm in a new environment where I have more freedom, and reality of life is hitting me in many ways. Are you like that too? Maybe you're just growing up.. And becoming more realistic, less time to waste on "fun"

Change is inevitable. I have similar feelings towards my past selves that have changed. I don't know what causes the changes, probably just time and experience in life. I used to be more happy and care for people. I used to go out of my way to help people in whatever way I could. But after so many years, I slowly lost that ability to care. I've grown bitter and cold. And I'm just generally not interested in the lives of others anymore besides a handful of close friends. I wish I could go back to who I used to be, but sadly it doesn't work that way. I can't even pretend to be that way, I honestly don't know how to be like I once was. Anyway, I'm rambling now, sorry about the long response.

I feel you. Sometimes life events and knowledge can change your perspective. The best thing to do is move on by accepting your new values and help guide younger people away from similar pitfalls.

I dress like a boy (i call it comfy though) and when i dress up, my mom used to say "Oh my god my daughter is a girl!". That really got on my nerves. Yes, normal. I miss myself too.

Yeah I felt like this for a long time! In high school I was the most popular girl in school, literally EVERYONE in the hall would want to talk to me; i'd be late to every class. I was hyper and always had the crazy fun ideas...I would be the one to 'start the party'. And even though I was a bit chubby, tonnes of guys wanted to date me. But now, 3 years after high school and living out on my own, im the opposite. I have zero friends, im always at home doing nothing and I find myself angry at different groups of people and bitter about life in general. I also have anxiety attacks and occasional depression :( I think about it a lot, that I wish I could be that fun person again but I guess things have changed, maybe maturing means getting bitter...

i used to be happy and not give a fuck what people thought of me. now im cynical, way too hard on myself and i care too much what people think of me. it all started when i stopped drinking...

sadly, maturity somehow makes us boring

I've never been happy and wished some change would make me switch the other way but I assume you must have experienced something that made you switch?