I feel like giving up on society

[Reaperbird]

Okay, so I don't really have any friends because of AvPD. So I joined Facebook, hoping maybe things would be a little less isolating on there, but so far, it has made me want to avoid people even more.

My family keep telling me I'm too sensitive, and that I should just let other people have their "opinions" but all my relatives and family friends are so discriminating. They are racist, sexist, homophobic and more. They always post hateful and offensive posts, and things that mock other people for their weight, mentality, and social status.

When I tried to speak up about it, saying that I didn't like them bullying other people, their bullying turned on me instead. They started posting stuff about "get stuffed if you don't like my opinions" and "some people can't take a joke."
I felt really hurt. I've always stood up for equality and tried to be peaceful, but then I have my own family doing and saying these things and I can't stand it. I feel really angry and upset.

I tried talking to my mum about it after having a mental breakdown over it, and she just got uncomfortable with me and tried to tell me I should just ignore it and let them have their own opinions. But I don't agree, an opinion is if you like something or not, it isn't attacking other people and taking away their basic human rights.

Basically, I feel more isolated then ever because I'm alone in what I believe in.
Please tell me most people aren't like this, because it feels as if they are. I don't want to hurt others to fit in. But sometimes I feel like if I don't "go with the flow" I'll be alone forever, and worse still, bullied by others for being "different." I'm just not the kind of person who can willingly allow hate like that to happen, nor do it myself, it's awful. Why can't people focus on their own lives instead of making fun of other people? I'd much rather hear about their pets and daily life then see posts that discriminate and spread hate. I don't want to know people like that, but it feels like almost everyone is like that. Or maybe I'm just in a bad group? IDK. I just feel like I don't fit in, because I can't be like that, and I won't.

[Reaperbird]

(Sorry for the late reply, I've had the flu :T)

Thanks everyone again for your kindness and support. It means a lot. 🙂 🙂 🙂

@Jacko: Yeah, I think people have more respect for me now, which I didn't expect. i thought they would be mad at me, but instead, I've gotten a lot of support. Feels good.

Yeah, my reactions can be biased due to my past, I get agitated easily and I don't trust my own judgement because of it. Also after coming from an abusive past, I easily jump to aggression when I'm defensive, and then can be too passive when someone else is leading, so learning to be assertive and fair instead has been a learning experience. I still have trouble knowing limits and boundaries, but I think I'm getting there slowly.
It's hard to cut away toxic people, especially when I struggle with loneliness or I know they are going through stuff, but I feel happier now they can't bully me anymore.

Hm, I never considered helping online. I didn't know I could. But yeah, I'd love to! 😄
Thanks again! 🙂

@Blondeguy: Sounds great! I've mostly re-homed stray/feral cats. I'd take them in, feed them, treat them, toilet train them, and check them in with the vet. As soon as they were healthy and used to being handled, I'd find them a loving home. I enjoyed it immensely, and have met some interesting personalities. 🙂
Of course, I love dogs too! Most animals in fact. I just happen to have more experience with cats.

Thanks, it's hard to stand up to people sometimes. Especially when I don't want to hurt/upset them, but I don't want to be walked all over either. So it's a difficult situation. Assertiveness takes practice I think.

I guess so, I'm so used to people invalidating me by calling me sensitive. It's especially hard when I have anxiety. I often question myself if I'm being realistic, or just anxious. Though I am starting to learn to just trust myself regardless, feelings have to come from somewhere, so figuring them out and making changes where it's needed is helpful. As long as I'm assertive though.

@White Knight & @Starwolf: Thankyou for the kind comments, I truly appreciate it. 🙂 I dunno about courageous, but I do feel I've made a step forward in being assertive to others. So it's a good thing.