Raiden comments on No Value - Less Wrong

18 Post author: Raiden 05 May 2012 10:38PM

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Comment author: Raiden 06 May 2012 12:22:43AM 0 points [-]

I believe I do indeed have a difficulty connecting with people in such a manner. Can that also be a psychological problem?

Comment author: quentin 07 May 2012 05:31:23PM *  1 point [-]

I agree with the post above advising "Wait, don't panic". I experienced (still do, sort of) exactly what you describe, and the people I developed the closest friendships with did as well. In fact, it was one of the primary contexts in which we were able to bond. As an intelligent person in a frequently alienating world, it can be very easy to feel disconnected and emotionally isolated. Don't immediately conclude that you have a disorder that requires medical treatment.

So, if it helps: a lot of people experience what you are going through. A lot of people feel empty. It might be learned helplessness, a self-defense mechanism, or something else entirely. But if you are interested in becoming a better, more fulfilled person, and willing to put in the work required, don't conclude you are broken. Make change, be open to happiness and emotion.

Also, I'm not going to claim that psychadelics don't have potential value in the arena of personal growth, but at your current position they are probably not an optimal strategy.