Creating Connection and Healthy Habits

[Shrubbery]

I have a really difficult time, not only reaching out, but maintaining my connections to those I reach out to. When I feel sad, or feel desperate enough to reach out for help, I can, but it seems easier to talk to strangers than the people I know, and I have a difficult time with trust and consistency. What are some things you all do to overcome this? How do you maintain your relationships with others in healthy ways?

[Laurennnnnnn]

I don’t have any advice but I wanted to let you know I have the same problem! It’s so annoying because I’m aware I struggle with it but I can’t seem to do anything about it

[11112020]

Hey, I know how you feel! I find it easy to make friends but maintaining close friendships feels like it's harder as you get older because everyone has such busy lives. Also sometimes it can be embarrassing or in some way humiliating to share what a disaster your life is with people you know in real life, hence I find online venting easier.

[Hidden]

I get that. I think we tend to want to open up to strangers because they’re only strangers. you’ll probably never meet again and you dont hold their opinions as highly as you would a loved one or a close friend. I think were more afraid of the consequences of a potential loved one not taking what you said well because it hurts a lot more to possibly be rejected or hurt by someone you developed trust with. I often find it difficult to open up to family and friends but online anonymously, im not nearly afraid because everyone here are just strangers. I still struggle to keep connections but therapy has been helping and gives me someone I can trust and open up to so im not bottling it up.