When I’m coming out of an episode, or I just had a rough weekend, I find it especially draining when people try to engage me in small talk. It will keep me in my room for days avoiding my roommates, just so they don’t ask me an innocent “how was your day going?” My one roommate always wants to talk, and DIVE IN, like “how was your day? What did you do? What did you get up to?” Immediately, and I know she’s just being nice. And that makes me feel even worse for not feeling able to respond, or resenting the conversation completely. It’s also hard being around people who don’t seem to deal with the same struggles I do. 

At work it’s the same way. Sometimes I don’t want to talk about my day or my weekend, just tell me what you need from me. It’s emotionally draining to lie, even if it’s just muttering a few words. I end up sounding fake or uninterested, and I’m not about to be honest, especially in those professional dynamics. Anybody else struggle with this? Sigh. I just continue to hide and shut everyone out until the day I feel better.