When did you realize that you were a difficult person? Picky? Particular?

[Anonymous]

Question for adults who would self describe as particular, picky or difficult — and a two parter -

When did you realize you were a “difficult person”?

Looking back at your childhood, do you think your inability to go with the flow meant you enjoyed everything less than everyone else? What could your guardians have done differently?

[Anonymous]

I've been difficult my entire life. My dad always said that life can be stormy and my sister was like a willow tree and I was an oak. "Oaks can snap, Larla," he would say.

It's just who I am. No changing it.

[Anonymous]

I became more paranoid and less trusting as an adult. I certainly don't come off as "picky" ever, in the sense that I am really polite in interactions, but I stay home a lot to minimize negative ones. I am also a people dropper. You cause me anxiety? I'm done. I can only take so much, which is very little.

[Anonymous]

My DH realized he was a difficult person in his mid-20s. His parents couldn’t have done anything differently. He has worked hard to become less rigid, difficult and picky. He’s done very well. Nothing is perfect but it’s way better. I think there has to be internal drive and motivation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I became more paranoid and less trusting as an adult. I certainly don't come off as "picky" ever, in the sense that I am really polite in interactions, but I stay home a lot to minimize negative ones. I am also a people dropper. You cause me anxiety? I'm done. I can only take so much, which is very little.

There was an episode on This American Life recently that brushed on this, meaning being overly adverse to discomfort. Swim Towards The Shark, it was called.