I don't exactly know how to describe in well defined terms what I've been feeling, but I want to get something out of myself, and I'm curious if others can relate or not. I've been seeking community for a long time in my life, it's one of the biggest holes in my self-essence. Connection with persons, or people is like, the thing I want most in life. I mourn its absence more than anything else. But, when I try to pursue a community, and get closer to a group of people, I experience the opposite. I only feel more isolated, further disconnected, more alone. Earlier this year, I started doing work with a local revolutionary party, in part because I believe it's necessary and vital work, but also in large part because I feel like, if I'm going to find community, it's going to be with people who share common values and principals with me. I've been trying so hard to be a good member, but the more months that pass, the more alien I feel. I also feel a tremendous fear of letting these people down, or being unable to meet a task. Usually during meetings I feel invisible, or when I'm not completely invisible, I feel like they must see me as incompetent or useless, just taking up space. I don't at all mean to suggest that this is the group's fault, though - I've felt this way in any community I've tried to become part of. There is something in me that I don't know how to fix that renders me unable to be a viable group member. Does anybody else experience this?

  • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
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    edit-2
    7 months ago

    I also feel a tremendous fear of letting these people down, or being unable to meet a task. Usually during meetings I feel invisible, or when I’m not completely invisible, I feel like they must see me as incompetent or useless, just taking up space.

    💞

    I 100% relate to this and, while I have no idea how to cope with it, I want to say you aren't alone in feeling like that. I've realized that I'm the one that thinks I am incompetent or useless, and projecting that onto everyone around me. 'Better just be quiet and not bother anyone.'

    • Pandantic@midwest.social
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      7 months ago

      Now that you’ve realized it, re-frame your thinking - reassuring yourself that it’s projection, slowly gaining confidence to speak up, and it’s hopefully met with a good reaction.

  • GinAndJuche
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    7 months ago

    Mood Kindred! I have no solutions or healthy coping mechanisms to share.

    It sucks because even when I know I’m competent I just convince myself I’m being lied to by people who are trying to be nice.

    The dissonance caused by that has been helping a tiny bit I guess.

    You aren’t alone though.

  • pooh [she/her, any]
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    7 months ago

    I definitely relate to this as well. I feel like it's really difficult to fit in with a group and more often than not just makes me feel more alienated. I feel like it's a never-ending struggle to try to bridge this gap with other people.