[ollymo]

I work in an office for three professionals and two semi-professionals. I'm the only office staff in this division and I like the fact that there are no other administrative people to deal with. I come in, do my job, am exceptionally nice to the customers (telephone) and have been patted on the back for that. Otherwise, I am somewhat antisocial, meaning I don't want to talk to these people (other than business-related matters) nor do I want to talk to the other administrative persons on the hallway. It's not that I think I'm better than them, but I just don't want to get caught up in their silly conversations. I'm in my mid-50's and don't really have many outside friends, just one best friend - and even then sometimes she annoys me. I find that most people annoy me. I know I have annoying habits, but I just can't deal with other people. How can I fix this? Or is it fixable?

[Wondergirl]

Does this need to be fixed? Is there a social hole in your life, or are you content? If you are generally congenial and do your work well and are happy, I wouldn't be concerned about fixing something that isn't broken.

Not everyone is loud or wildly social or talkative or bubbly. Some people are quiet and do their jobs without fanfare.

[Kahani Punjab]

Ollymo,

Welcome to this beautiful site, first!

Nothing unusual about it. Just relax, and remember that - if you accept the other people as and how they are, nobody can hurt you. It is a simple cardinal rule of social life.

Moreover, naturally, you like the people who deal with the things, you like, or the people whom you need some favours from. But, if you encounter the people, you have no interest in, not in the work they do, or have nothing to do with (them), you become neutral and if there is something abhorring about their work, attitude or their personalities, you IGNORE or even sometimes, start DISLIKING them, and here lies the root of one's anti-social demeaneour. Is not it?

But, I do not think this might be your case, but it is general perception. You are good, great and gorgeous, I know, perceiving it from your writing.

[uninvited1974]

Well I have no experience in this but what I may suggest is maybe try to socialize with your co workers but keep it a minimum to yourself maybe who knows someone may like the same things you like or even enjoy the same things you do. Sometimes we have to open ourselves to new things in order to have a good feeling towards ourselves. Try it sometime and see how it goes. Like I said I have no experience just a suggestion. Good luck