I'm so sorry Steve.

I can so relate. But for different reason's than you had.

I felt somewhat the same when I was a child and teen. I had trouble
making and keeping friends. Only because they seemed to think my
illnesses were contagious. Since no one really had a idea what would
happen next, and what I had. No one could honestly say.

So I didn't have many friends, those I had I tried to hold to close at times.

I learned to be careful and not try so hard as time went on.

I don't have a many close friends now. But I think because mine isn't
a mental illness. I can move on.

Donna