Perception is everything

dsh wrote:Schizoids build barriers… (especially emotional barriers)… and have no “desire to be in an intimate relationship with other human beings.”

Life is so much better inside my mind; and external validation is neither wanted nor needed.

See the difference…?

Well, there is a lot to talk about here, so for now, I'll just respond to the question of intimacy.

What you said above is exactly how I feel. I build barriers and feel very emotionally disconnected from the outside world. I've never wanted external validation or intimate relationships. But most people do have this desire. My above post is part of my attempt to understand why I feel differently, and also hoping that others here might be able to relate.

I've certainly imagined myself in close relationships and even gotten enjoyment out of doing so. But there is no interest in making any of that a reality. It is all just fantasy and it doesn't make sense for me to think of it as anything other than fantasy. I guess it is analogous to role-playing games. Someone might get enjoyment out of pretending they are in a certain role without actually wanting to be in that role even if the opportunity arises.

AC