Working in a social setting I totally get it! I quickly learn who accepts me as I am and who doesn’t, but it does sting to see people and coworkers so easily able to speak. I’m 35, I know I stutter, I’ve accepted it, it hasn’t stopped me from having a few friends and putting myself out there, or having 2 long term relationships (ended). But we’re talking pre dating apps. It was easier being younger. The dating scene is brutal now! I’m old school, I’m not used to having to compete with 10+ dudes. But the connections are so much harder to make and some weeks it’s exhausting! I usually push through and try to make people listen but again, it’s death by thousand cuts. I quoted an interpretation of a meme in another post, “introverts often find communication/connection a chore.” Not that we don’t want connection, but connection requires communication and communication is not nice to us! I’m sorry that you feel like you have to eat alone. Most people aren’t bad but most people aren’t patient enough for us in this fast paced world we live in. Definitely keep that mentality because that has helped me with coworker criticism. I feel you 100% it’s hard to not be jealous, even when we are comfortable in our own skin. Never give up my friend. We struggle but we can still succeed. Even if it’s with less connection. Thought I sent this last night 😅.