Well, Marion, sometimes I "feel" isolated, and sometimes I isolate myself on purpose. Is being isolated healthy? I think not. Do I usually care? No.

I have a laundry list of issues that make socializing uncomfortable for me, and cause me to opt out: pain, bathroom urgency, cognitive problems (that pop up unexpectedly), fatigue, inability to stand OR sit for long periods, anxiety, and more.

Everything has to be lined up perfectly for me to feel up to peopling (my pet word for socializing).

Of course, I find myself in this crazy tug-o-war, thinking: "Nobody ever calls me...oh no, the phone is ringing, I don't feel like talking! Nobody ever comes to visit me...oh no, there are people at the door--what do THEY want? I don't want people to treat me 'special'...wait, why aren't they making concessions for me, don't they know I'm siiiiiiiiiiiick?"

How can I be with people? I can't even get along with myself!!