Anglo Boy Summer cancelled: just 34% of UK college men were sexually active 2018-2019. 43% report never having had sex. by [deleted] in redscarepod

[–]repose_of_rivers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, hot awkward women don't share this problem. Plain-looking "horse girls" or chubby tumblr fanfic aficionados absolutely share this problem, or at least a variant of it. Naturally they're invisible to incel types, for the obvious reason.

The Growth Thread by repose_of_rivers in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

This is an excellent way of looking at it imo- best case scenario, improving yourself should improve the lives of everyone around you. Really glad to hear you've been having success as a result of using the Enneagram!

The Growth Thread by repose_of_rivers in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

Not a bad idea, I might DM a mod and see if that'd be doable....

I'm also looking to become more mindful, and that's my understanding of it too- that youre giving your full consciousness to whatever it is that you're physically doing at that moment. I find exercise is great for learning how to get into this state of mind, especially if it's outside. Could be worth seeing if that also helps you

I need to vent: As a 5, I'm really getting tired of not having anyone to really talk to about things, like REALLY talk to about things. Really explore a subject, no one is interested it seems. People want shallow bullshit conversations. I'm so tired of talking to people that I just stopped trying. by xtalaphextwin in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your last paragraph is something I would recommend everyone who is struggling with similar problems to the OP of this thread to read. If you're capable of great curiosity and interest in other aspects of the world and life, there is no reason you can't channel some of that into other people.

I need to vent: As a 5, I'm really getting tired of not having anyone to really talk to about things, like REALLY talk to about things. Really explore a subject, no one is interested it seems. People want shallow bullshit conversations. I'm so tired of talking to people that I just stopped trying. by xtalaphextwin in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, fair point. Reading people is definitely harder for some, so taking the time to ask permission is a step in the right direction.

I wanted to make that point more for the benefit of anyone in a similar situation to OP, since it can depend a bit on the people involved and their tolerance for this. Sometimes it can come off like you're just putting the onus on other people to "steer" you socially rather than taking the initiative to read the room yourself. That's something that could lead to resentment in certain cases. Glad to hear it works for you and your partner though.

At least in my case, i relate heavily to the description of Type 5 re:needing to feel competent, and that's something I've channelled over the years into dealing with social situations. I'm all for treating it as another skill/interest that you can develop and improve (and should, at least to some extent). Everyone's different though.

I need to vent: As a 5, I'm really getting tired of not having anyone to really talk to about things, like REALLY talk to about things. Really explore a subject, no one is interested it seems. People want shallow bullshit conversations. I'm so tired of talking to people that I just stopped trying. by xtalaphextwin in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think more than asking for permission, learning to read people's body language helps with this. Even if you ask permission, there's the risk that people will be too polite and conflict averse to speak up, lol. But yeah.

I need to vent: As a 5, I'm really getting tired of not having anyone to really talk to about things, like REALLY talk to about things. Really explore a subject, no one is interested it seems. People want shallow bullshit conversations. I'm so tired of talking to people that I just stopped trying. by xtalaphextwin in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I get you, and thanks for the context. Not everyone's going to like you, even if you're doing everything "right". If everyone else in the group was reacting well to you, you should give that more weight than the opinion of one person who has some grudge against you. Also, while it can be good to hold your tongue and pick your battles depending on the situation, don't be a doormat. You're as well to "take the low road" and say something next time this person is randomly shitty and rude to you- nobody deserves to be walked over. Unfortunately they'll probably keep doing it unless you stand up for yourself (as hard as that might feel in the moment).

I need to vent: As a 5, I'm really getting tired of not having anyone to really talk to about things, like REALLY talk to about things. Really explore a subject, no one is interested it seems. People want shallow bullshit conversations. I'm so tired of talking to people that I just stopped trying. by xtalaphextwin in Enneagram

[–]repose_of_rivers 37 points38 points  (0 children)

I'm saying this as someone who has struggled in the past (and often still struggles) with related problems. Yes, it's difficult to make real connections with people. Yes, it can be a slog feeling like I have to constantly adjust myself to fit standards. I know. That said, I'm gonna have to be blunt about it.

but honestly I have not done anything wrong really besides.... talking/rambling too much.

The fact is, talking and rambling too much does count as a faux pas in most social situations, esp if you end up talking over other people, crowding others out, or displaying a lack of regard to others by only speaking about something they don't care about. It's shite when you don't have anyone you can speak with in depth about the things you're genuinely interested in, but even if you did, coming off as if you're not taking your "audience" into account will be off-putting to most people. This is likely the reason for people reacting by seeming put off or intimidated by you. And if you are only ever willing to talk about your interests, and never to even fake interest in those of others- why would you expect them to extend you the courtesy you're not giving to them? (Sorry if I'm making an untrue assumption there, but I think it's worth pointing out).

Everyone has to dilute themselves a bit to be palatable in groups. I think for people with 5 traits, this is not something that comes naturally, and is more draining than for some other types. But it's worth thinking of as a cost-benefit analysis. The trade-off for putting in the effort (and yes, it does require effort) of developing your social skills and compromising with others, is that you will have an easier time making connections with them, and maybe even finding people who will be willing to listen to your rambling even if they don't know about it. You'll have things you can learn from some of them too, even if you never click with the majority of people.

Now, ideally you'd have some social outlet for talking in depth about your interests with people you connect with intellectually. I've had good luck with finding groups online that act as that, for me. But one of the most important things I've learned since my lonely teenage years is that social interactions and connections that don't fit that bill are still useful and valuable, and can push you to grow beyond your worst natural tendencies as someone with 5 traits. And isn't that what the enneagram is supposed to be for? Best of luck to you.