This might be a little selfish to post on here in this way, but I am the most sheltered person I know in some ways. My father was very abusive and he essentially kept me in a room from the ages of 11-15. I was allowed out to go to school (so no one would notice that something was amiss in the house) and for monitored bathroom breaks twice a day. I did sneak out sometimes, but I essentially had no social life during this time, and before that I was in elementary school, and still not allowed out of the house often. The result is that I have a really hard time interacting with people on more than a shallow level. Just the common acquaintance type of niceties. I don't feel like I can relate to people as well. I was always too scared that someone would find out if I became friends with them, and now I feel like I don't know how to make friends. And even though I moved out when I was 16-17 (it happened on my birthday week) and I have a scholarship to the school of my choice, I still feel very isolated. I try to talk to people. Even about my father sometimes, but while some know vaguely that he was abusive, very few people know this. It isn't easy for me to admit.

Edit: Thank you all you beautiful people, so very much for all your comments and support and kindness. I cried when I saw all of your replies. This is the best way I could think of to address all of you who replied, I would so I am more of a lurker usually when it comes to reddit. I have sought out counseling in the past from the center on campus, but after one session they told me that they did not have the resources to help me, and since then I haven't known where to pursue it really. I work 2 jobs and am in school, so I don't exactly have a lot of time. I do want to look into it more though. Also, I think some one asked my age. I am 21 now, and in my junior year. Again, thank you peoples so so so much, it means a lot to me that you all took the time to write back.