I just don't feel like I ever fit in

I am so sick of feeling like the odd person out ALL the time. Ever since I was little I just never felt like I fit in and always felt like the odd man/woman out. If there is a group of any kind; from bible study groups to 12 step groups I have attended to dinner parties at a friends house I always feel like the odd person out. I never feel like I belong or am included no matter how hard I try. It's so frustrating because I have been going to Al-Anon for 5 years now to deal with my AA husband and I STILL feel left out and out of place in the meetings. Some people that have said hi to me 5 years ago when I started don't even look at me when I come in the room. What did I do to them? Nothing! If I am sitting in a meeting in progress and someone comes in late if there is a chair right next to me or one across the room they will pick the chair across the room. I am a reasonably attractive woman (who showers regularly) and "think" I look approachable but could I really be giving off such a bad vibe than no one even wants to sit next to me? I try to say hi and include myself but it's so painful and frustrating to feel left out.

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I just don't feel like I ever fit in

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Sep 28, 2009
 Why don't I fit in?
by: Catherine, www.Life-With-Confidence.com

Hi,

I can totally understand what you're saying and how painful and frustrating it is. I went through the same thing for the longest time.

There's actually a number of different ways of thinking about this issue so I've put together some thoughts on this page:

Why Don't I Fit In?

It was too much information to fit in these comment fields. So, have a look and if you have any questions or want to go through it in more detail, just let me know.

Feb 13, 2010
 trying hard
by: Latasha Hall

Hi, My Name is Latasha Hall, I Having issues with this one sport, and well I keep getting stressed out about not trying to well with something that been in Bowling, I know I want to get better at my hand movements, instead of getting mad or trying not to give up. How do I get better at bowling without giving up or Try my best to get even high in my Score? I really am given it 100% percent, nothing works for me. I really do good with singing in church, but bowling is my Problem. How do I Can better at bowling when I'm not mad or negative?
Mar 28, 2010
 Problems with Assertiveness
by: Shawn

I have major problems with being assertive. I always ask questions to people about possible choices I need to make (even some of the most trivial ones)before taking the step to make the choice; sometimes the choice does not ever get made, and I end up just procrastinating.

I work as a teacher and this effects my work life as well because I have difficulty planning lessons. I usually will be "flying by the seat of my pants" each day with little or no plans available. Furthermore, I work with many classes as a traveling teacher with three schools so because of my lack of planning or choices with lessons I end up forgetting what I have taught to the classes I work with and do not remember if I taught them a concept or not. I find it so hard to move forward sometimes, my lack of assertiveness definitely gets in the way of my day to day life.

Any advice would be very much appreciated..
Mar 30, 2010
 Organization
by: Anonymous

Hey Shawn,

Sounds like you need organizational or time management help more than assertiveness.

Check out some teacher planning sites and see if they have some ideas that could help you. Like this one: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/5490.aspx Set up your own spreadsheets and then after your class, jot down what you taught that day. Then, you'll know exactly what you taught the previous time you were there. If you follow the spreadsheet suggestion in the above link, you'll also have planned what you're going to teach each time you go as well so you can prepare for your lessons before you even get there.

You'll feel so much more confident about yourself because you're in control and you're not flying by the seat of your pants anymore.



Apr 08, 2010
 RE: Thanks
by: Anonymous

Holy Mother, this site is wonderful. I had to Google 'Why Don't I Fit In' tonight, and after reading a bunch of articles here - I felt that they were written just for me. Great advice for me to start living by. Thank You!
Aug 06, 2010
 I feel so alone
by: Anonymous

I have been feeling like an outsider for a very long time. I am not the most socialble person and I find it hard to strike up conversation with my co workers. When I am at work no one seems to talk to me, they dont include me in there coversations, and When I try to join in people just talk over me like I am not even there. Its not a good feelling at all. I dont have any friends at all, so I am always alone. Its really difficult for me.
Aug 09, 2010
 Fitting in
by: Shawn

There seems to be something you are giving off to people that they are not taking you seriously. It seems like they probably sense your insecurity and that can make people uncomfortable. You need to start pretending you are a very confident person (think of it like an acting exercise). After a while you will notice that you will gain a greater sense of confidence and people in your office will surely give you more respect. I really hope you can achieve this goal, you will be much happier and start to gain a sense of acceptance and an improved social life will follow. Good luck and be patient because it will take time.

Best, Shawn
Sep 09, 2010
 Walked on.
by: Anonymous

I never fit in anywhere. It doesn't matter whether its at work, church, or family gatherings.
Even when I'm in public or going to buy something the cashiers are always frowning at me & biligerent with me. The prior or next customer they will smile & be happy with. Sometimes people will even take a pot shot at me to put me down so they can have everyone laugh at me. I never reply back or am rude. I don't do anything to hurt people at all. In fact I'm pretty quiet & humble almost all the time. When I do speak up it's well are you getting angry? It's like they want to provoke me to anger just so they can embaress me even more. I'am a very patient fellow. Even when I'm with my wife they will talk directly with my wife & won't even acknowledge that I'm even there at all. Even to the point they will look rudely at me as though whatever you are going to say it's meaningless or like why are you even here. People will ask me who are these people you say socially outcast you? I try to explain what they are doing but they don't believe me or get it because they never have experienced it. People will say its all my own perception of the situation or you need more confidence. Or its you need to be more social. Hmmmm, lets see here how can I feel secure being trashed on or embaressed, but not yet speak up? Or better yet be social when they try to cut me off or walk on me. Sometimes I think the only way is to just disappear from society & hide into the mountians for the rest of my life. Sound like I'm being negative but at after 37 years of this it's getting really old.
Sep 09, 2010
 Try speaking first
by: Catherine

Hi Anonymous,

The next time you're about to pay for an item, before she/he can say anything to you, look the cashier in the eye and say, "Hi, how are you?" or "Hi, looks like you're really busy today." Say it in a genuine, friendly way. Smile a genuine smile. Be happy to see this person who is about to serve you. And, then let me know what the reaction was.

My guess is that for whatever reason, when people first see you, they get the impression that you're angry. Whether you are or not, that's what they're picking up from you. So, when the person is about to serve you, you look angry and they don't know if you're angry about waiting in line or what. But, they think you're going to yell at them or complain to them. So, they're instantly on the defensive. Same when you're with your wife. You look angry so the person doesn't know if they've done something to upset you. If they say something to you, are you going to be nasty to them? That's what they're afraid of. So, if you speak first in a friendly way, you totally dispel the impression that you're angry. They'll know that you're not.

You may have gotten to the point where you assume the cashier is going to be rude to you so you give off a very defensive, angry vibe before they even serve you. And, that's what they'll be picking up on.

It'll also be much more difficult for someone to respond negatively to you if you're being friendly first. Think about how you feel when someone is genuinely happy to see you. Doesn't it make you feel good? That's what you need to be doing to those people you meet along the way. Brighten their day in just some small way. You'll probably be amazed at the difference in response that you get just by doing something simple like that. You'll make them feel like they're finally appreciated by at least one of the hundreds of people they have to serve every day.

But, mostly, my guess is that they think you're angry so you need to let them know you're not right away. By being silent and not saying anything probably actually contributes to the impression that you're angry and about to snap at them. So, say hello, be friendly and I bet you'll find that people respond to you completely differently. Let them know you're happy to see them.
Oct 05, 2010
 yes
by: Anonymous

for the last week,I havnt got dressed,I have come to the point where I have had enough of hurtful situations.I can't see the blessings out there,can only see the blessings here at home.
I am snappy and tearful.I have an mri scan coming up,I am going by myself,my partner has to stay with the animals and kiddies,there's no one close to help us,no one to help with the kids.
both sides our parents were mean and put us both down.we are now at a point where we have had enough.
I homeschool the kids,I am turning inwards more and more each day.
the things that used to sooth me,chocolate,take away etc etc,no longer helps.
all I wanna do is stay in do nothing,but curl up and wish I was being held.
I know I will come through this,as I have before but,well,just needed to share.
thanksxxx
Oct 21, 2011
 Left out all of the time
by: Anonymous

I go to work everyday being left out and ignored. I talk to my coworkers and it is like I am not even there. I come up with smart suggestions and they are ignored every time. Why is it that I get treated this way. I want to quit but don't have any other job to go to. I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Feb 29, 2012
 Do you feel this way to
by: Anonymous

Some of my nice friends say I'm popular and that sometimes makes me feel better but then there will be mean kids or bullies who without saying bully me like for example today a person who I hate and she hates me back said I like yor pants and she was with her friend and her friend came up to me later and said that she just said that and didn't mean it and then said that she actually hated them I don't know what to do or say also when I get nervous I stumble upon words I don't know what to do HELP AND PLEASE REPLY
Apr 24, 2012
 Such a weird turn....
by: Late comer

I stumbled upon this site after a random googling. I remember a time when I was in early elementary school...asking my parents if I was adopted (in spite of the fact that I am a visually genetic 50/50 split of them). At that time I recall my feelings being that I simply did not match or mesh with anyone around me - I felt like an alien. Great importance was had in my mind on knowing where I came from, and why I felt the way I did. I also recall with great detail (not too long after above inquiry) asking my parents if I was of a different nationality than they or my brother.

Fast forward thirty years. I still feel the same about my daily life. No matter how much I have ever participated, interacted, or founded any type of social activity I am still in the same spot and having the same alien feelings.

My experiences in life have been what some would call full and well-rounded. I have been part of many groups, squads, functions, lectures, classes, and gatherings. I have never avoided them, but when I know that my attendance is expected where people will be gathered, no matter what the circumstance, I have always had an extreme amount of dread towards it.

If given a choice in any of these matters, getting together with X number of people I truly like/love to do X or no, I would rather stay home.

My coworkers and colleagues seem to all have the same reaction to me. Always very positive.My daily life is the normal grind. With my naturally bubbly demeanor, people are willing to get along with me easily, and quite a few request my attention during times when they need social direction, somewhere to vent, or what I would consider therapy of sorts (just talking it out). Over the years I have accepted the fact that people are drawn to me as much as I have my personality. Fighting what nature seems to have already laid out did not work for me very well, so I have accepted those things, and go on about my business.

Noticing that this site has laid dormant for quite some time, I have a small hope that someone may see this post and feel that they aren't alone. If you have anything that is close and have any better coping mechanisms other than "just getting through", please let me know.

I thank you in advance. If you feel that you have half a thread in common with me, please respond with any tips or information. There is nothing more horrid in this world than feeling like you are alone, it can happen even when you are surrounded by those you love, and that love you.
It's such an uncomfortable position. Pardon the long post, but that is the short version for how I feel. All I would like is to recline in a chair one day and truly mean it.
Oct 17, 2012
 I never feel as if I fit in
by: Anonymous

I'm a teacher and have been teaching for awhile. I communicate well with my students and have been praised as a teacher. Starting conversations with co workers or even with the public is very hard. It is so hard for me to make new friends. I don't trust people. Counseling is great ,but I'm still anxious and feel weird when trying to communicate with others. My husband has no problem talking to anyone. He can strike up a conversation with any stranger and call anyone his friend. I wish I didn't feel like this.
Nov 02, 2012
 I feel the same too
by: Anonymous

Yea I can relate to a lot of these posts. I think that my mind is just way different -- the happiest people seem to be average intelligence and interested in just every day things - they are able to talk about events and are not interested in deep philosophical or psychological discussions. The best way I have found to fit is ask questions especially how it relates to the other person. People love talking about themselves and they really aren't interested in you or really anyone else it is all about them. Once you figure that out ( I realize it is like faking it) it becomes easier to do because you get good at it and get positive feed back that you are on the right track. You have to hold back on inserting yourself - eventually it will drive you nuts how you can't get people to shut up anymore - now all you have to do is talk about yourself and they will get bored and uninterested. It's sad to see this really but both sides of this work very well. I know I will get knocked for this but truly if you have a really high IQ above 130 you are not able to relate as easily as people at 100 or so. Truly to be happy is to be average. If you are really gifted its like you are not on the same level - it's really sad - if you can find others with your interests or intellect perhaps scientists, etc. your world will open up because you will find a more common level of understanding. It is just harder you will have a tendency to make people feel stupid if you are not careful and you have to be very careful - people are not stupid and can sense that you are possibly smarter than they are - that scares people. The hardest thing I have found is as my husband tells me " you make people feel incompetent". Jeepers so I have to let them be wrong even if it is work I am paying for - otherwise he says I piss them off - he says to choose and live with it - so I tread carefully and pick my battles. People do not like feeling stupid
Nov 16, 2012
 Left out and doesn't fit in
by: Anonymous

Most days at school I feel sad and I get bullied about having pimples but it's not my fault that I have bad skin at the moment, I know I'm only a teenager but I feel like everyone hates me and I just go And hide away because I feel to ashamed of myself and that no one likes me, My culture is half white, half Maori but I'm really white, and I feel to white to fit in with most kids, I don't really know what to do anymore :(
Jan 15, 2013
 me to
by: bronagh

i know how u feel cause my girls in my family all girly girl like barbie and all and boys in my family all into boy stuff like normal but me iam a girl and i love doctor who like all fiction werid stuff my sis all think iam werid liking that i just love all werid stuff but i tottaly love dr who and i dont like wearing dresses and suff ewww and my mum say iam a wee bit werid too and my friends all talk about discos and stuff and iam like umm hahhahaha searsly realy u talking about ill rather talk about boy stuff lol and my friends are all haha ur werid so werid i stay in my room for ages so i know how u fell
Jan 16, 2013
 I feel the same way!
by: Anonymous

I too have felt like I didn't belong when I was growing up and it p***s me off when a teacher is teaching a subject and I'm the only one who doesn't get it. I swear there's a conspiracy against me. Sometimes I just want disappear...

I really despise people too. I know I'm a good decent human being but I hear a holes/bullies/b****s insulting me when they don't think I'm listening just to amuse theirselves and others. I usually dont retaliate because I try to be a nice guy. I'm getting sick of waiting on karma or god to punish them as I hardly see any justice.

I also feel the same way when sitting at disccusions

I really shouldn't care but it annoys the f*** out of me when I sit somewhere an every douchebag of a person chooses sits away for me or moves. I shower regularly too and am decent looking but these c***s make me feel like I'm a monster in human skin. I hate people and they make me hate myself

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