Ever since I came to this realization, I have really identified strongly with Maud Pie, since I suffer from a lot of the same symptoms (with the added complication that the voices constantly tell me I’m worthless and added paranoia).

I have the same problem as her making friends because people mistake my demeanor for disinterest even when I’m desperately trying. It’s a very lonely existence, especially when television and movies have programmed people to fear people with schizophrenia as some kind of psychopath or monster, so I can’t explain to people in real life that this is why I do not react in the way they expect. If I do, they may fear or avoid me for no reason, or tell other people who will then not even give me a chance to explain. Worse, I might end up as a victim of violence due to some ‘normal’ person’s misunderstanding.

I guess I just want to draw people’s attention to this. If you know someone that is flat, emotionless, and outcast, try to give them a chance and don’t assume they dislike you. Like Maud, if they are choosing to hang around you and trying to do things with you, they might be desperately trying to find a friend. If they aren’t doing that, it may just be because they gave up trying. Just a single friend willing to sit with me would have made such a difference in my life.

Screenshot on the left from >>575785