Help with Social Skills - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

kiehn · 01-31-2005, 05:38 PM

I have been reading a book called Living without Manic Depression
by Mary Ellen Copeland. One of my triggers is Mental Health Stigma
and how different behaviors from trauma's in life can set us apart from
most people. One of mine is poor social skills that I would like to improve
on. At least I feel I have poor social skills. It's like I dont know where to draw the line sometimes and I say to much which pushes people away.
Im dont even know how to explain it may if I did I could begin to work on it. I just know I lack something in social skills. So Im hoping anyone that wants to participate will do so by pointing out anything about my skills to help me, whether in this post or any other I respond to. Im not looking so much at grammer errors but at the way I respond socially. Please dont feel you
will offend me as this is something I want to improve on and I cant
do it without as many honest opinion as possible.
Thanks in advance, K

princesspea · 01-31-2005, 07:47 PM

K,

Okay(no pun intended), I know you might not believe me. I don't see any social problem and I'm being very VERY honest here. I don't think you share inappropriately at all. I think your experience and your intution is a important part of who you are. Good Heaven I posted about my perimenopause. Talk about telling too much!

I have the same problem you do in social situations though. I have had to learn to stop and think "is this person going to give a care about what's going on with me." I've stopped sharing somethings, like my colon health

, with just anybody.

Everybody that knows me knows I'm bp. I wear it like a badge of honor. I've been able to help several people by being so open about it. The people who react badly I figure that's on them and their close mindedness.

You come across to me as a caring, very bright, honest, open person. I don't see any of those things as character flaws. I've helped allot of people in AA identify and work on their flaws. I just don't see it in you on this board. Sorry I can't be of more help. I'd like to help.

Love,

Jamie

kiehn · 01-31-2005, 08:31 PM

Hmmm, Thanks Jamie I almost felt I wasnt bipolar for a few seconds, but I dont feel
I deserve the credit you give. Maybe part of it is when I reply to a post it takes me so long to post becasue I have to concentrate, think and erase where as I cant in real conversation and I tend to ramble trying to explain myself. Im still open for constructive criticism. K

Hedgehog No 1 · 02-01-2005, 03:17 PM

K,

So glad you have put in an appearence. Can't think straight myself, yet. I WILL get back to you as soon as I can.

Best wishes, Hadge.

ManiMe · 02-01-2005, 09:38 PM

kiehn ~

Your first post in this thread could have been my own words.

All my life, people have thought me an a-hole, due mostly to as you say sharing beyond their point of comfort.

Most definitely, "we" tend to get carried away. It's like an intoxicating thrill to have someone(s) else seemingly caring about what we have to say - and then not recognizing in time that at some point we have passed their threshold of interest - and even tolerance. On really bad days, we then attempt to regain their interest - perhaps by even tossing MORE titillating or perhaps borderline to full-blown "inappropriate" comments.

I won't blow smoke into any unguarded orifice.

That's still an edgy habit of mine, to this day.

So, you asked if your posts have exhibited such a pattern. I don't think so. But what the ______ do I know ?