Am I as weird as they say I am?

I have few friends because most people who know me say I am weird. I don’t think there is anything wrong with me, except for the fact that I am very much an introvert, so they hurt me a lot when they say these things. It also makes it harder for me to meet them more often, which only makes them feel as if they are right. I keep trying to brush this off and try harder, but I feel as if I am becoming more fond of solitude. This has become more pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic, and I don’t know if I should speak to a therapist before this condition becomes worse. I don’t feel like speaking to the few friends I have left and am worried that I may grow old and be completely alone. What should I do?
You have to first accept that what you are going through is more common than you think, specifically in the aftermath of the pandemic. Millions of people have been struggling to get back to coping with society, and it isn’t easy. Your self-awareness is a great thing because it implies that you have the ability to question things. Yes, speaking to a counsellor is a great idea because you need coping mechanisms that you do not currently possess. As for being hurt by what your friends say, you’re right to be hurt, and they are the ones who need to do a bit of introspection. You should place your mental health above the need for relationships that do not have any positive impact on your life. Give yourself time, seek help from a professional, and then work on surrounding yourself with new friends who understand you. It may take a bit of time, but it can be done.

Everything about my boyfriend was perfect until his grandmother died, after which he became quieter and stopped meeting me often. How can I help him?
You can try to be more patient as he copes with his grief.