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[SuperNova]

I know I fly mostly under the radar on VG Chartz and we haven't talked directly often, but you seem like a very nice guy, with interesting viewpoints and a lot to say and I really enjoy seeing you around on here.

My advice to you would be, think aboout what YOU want. I know people nagging at you from all kind of corners about how you are supposed to act can be draining and confusing. Even having to expend the energy to do as much as say 'no' to these people, whoever they may be, can be too much already, but it's worth it.

You don't need to rise to anyones expectations but your own. The important thing is for you to be content with the way your life is going. So what, if your parents don't like you hanging out with people on the internet?
If it helps you build connections and make your day a little better then that's up to you to decide.
And if you decide you'd rather have friends that live closer to you and that you can interact in real life with (more often) and not spend as much time on the forums, that's for you to decide too. You don't need to adhere to what anyone here thinks about you either.
The important thing is that it is something that will give you pleasure.

I definitely relate to the struggle of being shy in social situations, but I was raised counter to my natural inclinations, so even though it's hell for me, I'll probably be the first person to talk to you in a room full of strangers. I basically just pretend to be really sociable and so far it's worked out ok.

The important thing is, you don't have to be alone unless you want to be. And if you want to be, then that's ok. You decide on your terms if and how you want to make and maintain friends and how far your participation in social situations goes.

As for struggeling with depression, I don't have much to offer. I know it helps me to maintain a somewhat regular, if relaxed schedule, that incoorperates healthy food that I cook myself, regular workout (finding something I genuinely like was a challenge but Yoga stuck), enough sleep and enough down time where I get to play games or just hang out on the forums. The way I view it I have these blocks in my day that I need to compete in order to stay healthy in body and mind. It's a struckture to hold on to, but it isn't ridgid enough to be restricting. I'm still figuring out what works best, but it's working.