Any Other ADHD Women Who Struggle With "Not Like Other Girls"?
I remember having a really hard time connecting with other girls in my youth. I realized quickly that I couldn't live up to the expectations put before me as a young lady. Other Girls were thriving in school and social situations, where I felt paralyzed and alone. I was bullied relentlessly, and teachers punished me for not getting along with others despite my desperation to fit in. I wanted to belong, but I just didn't.
As I got older, I came to the conclusion that I truly and honestly wasn't like other girls. Not in the way of style or interests, but just... Being. It filled me with so much dread and panic. Why couldn't I just do things? Everyone else can. Boys can be aloof and be well liked. But I was "weird" for sitting quietly instead of socializing. I was antagonized by other girls for distancing myself.
Whenever I voiced this concern or observation, I was ridiculed.
"You're not special. Get over it."
"If you can't make female friends, that's your fault. You can't tell me every group you've encountered rejected you without there being something wrong with how you interact with them."
"You just hate other women."
I didn't. I don't. I just wasn't good at fitting in. And it terrorized me mentally for so long. Anyone else?
Edit: This got way more attention than I expected! I've been reading all the comments and feel so understood! Thank you all so much!
I'm not in this dark place anymore, I've come to realize that I don't really fit in a group and that's ok! It's good to be uniquely me and if people don't like it, that's fine! I've learned to love that I'm the type of person that comes and goes out of other's lives as an unforgettable mysterious being. I've found I leave a lasting impression on people, and it's usually positive, although a little strange. (My cousin was talking to an ex of mine and it took him a while to realize the woman this guy was talking about was me. Stuff like that happens all the time)
I've enjoyed being the wacky NPC that leaves people thinking, "well that was odd, but I had fun!"