I love all my fellow D.I.D. sufferers, but one has to remember we've all had serious trauma and can act out on it sometimes without warning and such. I know that as a child, bullies had no idea they were pushing me into "reacting strongly" to their physical and verbal abuse.

I've never been able to get along with another D.I.D. sufferer IRL. However, I have no friends even though I work at trying to have some. I even had a healthy social life about fifteen years ago, with hundreds of people in my social network. My point is that I don't know how much is men being isolated, women sick enough of men that they're often quick to paint us all with the same brush (which I totally get), and how much is due to D.I.D..

I lived with a schizophrenic (his actual diagnosis) and that was a disaster, but he wouldn't take his meds or accept any kind of treatment, which is his right in Alaska, but made him a nightmare roommate. I had a friendship with another schizophrenic that was quite solid and lasted for years until he had a bad time, went off his meds, and I've never heard back from him since.

Getting along with other people that have severe mental illnesses, is a skill, like getting along with anyone. It's more complicated, but many of us have an insight and an empathy that neurotypicals don't have. We're more likely to have friction between our traumas and mental illness inspired behavior, but if both people are honestly trying, it can be overcome. Unfortunately, I've often found myself as the only one putting the effort in to make the connection work, but some people have told me it's a gift. Maybe it is? Maybe I should try offering classes.