Hello out there!

[Scrivener]

Hello,

I've never done anything like this before. I am a very private person and quite self-conscious even though people say that I am confident and even a bit brash. Like a lot of people, I guess, I project my professional persona in public and shield myself from harm or criticism by hiding my true self. Nothing nefarious, just a protective instinct born from life-long criticism from parents and siblings and high expectations of perfection and competitiveness. 

I have been subjected to bullying, harassment, threats (both physical and psychological) death threats and home invasions over the last twenty -odd years. My wife and I have moved home four times in the last ten years to try to get away from crazy neighbours (I know it sounds like a problem with me but I/we have been very unlucky). Currently, I am being targeted by a narcissistic, passive-aggressive, antagonistic bully who constantly watches me and provokes me to try to get a reaction so they can report me to the police because they are convinced that I am a criminal even though I have repeatedly advised them that I am a very well qualified professional with no criminal record and multiple security clearances. 

I have been working with my psychologist for PTSD, anxiety and mild acrophobia for many years. I get to a good place but then something will trigger me and I regress. I just want to find peace and I want to be left alone. 

The police can't help me because the actions of my insane neighbour are "not serious enough" or "not a criminal offence". My wife and I have communicated with the neighbour but they will not stop. 

I don't have any close friends and I find it hard to make friends as I find small talk difficult and end up giving people a resume of my achievements rather than being relaxed and open. I am afraid that I am not interesting enough.

Obviously, my wife loves me, understands and accepts me. 

I want to make friends though. I love History and Literature. I built plastic models as a hobby. I love gardening and being outdoors. I grew up on farms and I am a first-generation Australian as my parents both immigrated as children. 

Anyone who has dealt with this type of person can you please help with what worked for you.

Thankyou kindly.

[Scrivener]

Don't undersell yourself, every individual has a special skill that no-one else has. I am sure that you have something special and unique that defines you. 

I am just blessed with an ability to absorb the details of what I read. I don't think I am any "smarter" than anyone else (define smart). 

I don't really know Anne of Green Gables well but I do know the story. 

It is great that you are reading about mental health. Knowledge is power, as they say. 

Biographies are cool, I have a signed copy of the biography of the pilot of the Enola Gay (the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima). That was an interesting story. The internal conflict and the battle between doing something that saved a lot of lives by taking a lot of lives. 

I don't know much about Sociology.

[Scrivener]

Thanks. 

Today has been a long, tiresome day. Lots of computer work and trivial admin stuff sort out. Annoying but necessary. Sitting on recliner with puppy on my lap sound asleep, as I will also be shortly. 😴