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[quote=Anonymous]
My parents were and are like this too. 
My childhood was rather difficult because they were also authoritarian and didn't allow me to socialize outside of school. My friends' parents would call mine to politely ask why I wasn't coming to their daughter's party, movie, get-together, etc. Didn't do any good but I did appreciate that they cared enough to call.

I now believe my parents may have ADD, and may have found social interaction after work to be overwhelming - although it doesn't explain everything. 
I have ADD, which affects brain maturation, and so a lack of practical social know-how plus ADD made my independent 20s rather awkward. Despite being reasonably pleasant and attractive, I didn't know how to make and keep friends and made many social mistakes, some professional, that I'd rather not recall.

However time has been good to me :-). In my 30s now - I understand much better how to maintain friendships, and how to be outgoing and display friendly signs. It basically comes down to finding common ground at first, then being a good listener, and validating your friend's feelings when appropriate. Not crossing boundaries. Understanding when to back off. Treating everyone at the office as friendly acquaintances, NOT friends.

I'm still working on keeping track of friends! I can't handle too large a circle otherwise I forget to check up on people and we're not friends anymore. It's not that I don't like them, but... it gets overwhelming. A handful of friends is right for me.

Good luck, OP. [/quote]

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