However, I do agree with you that having social connections is helpful in many ways and can open many doors that may otherwise not be available. I personally have a difficult time accepting this because most of the accomplishments I've had were based upon my own efforts, decisions, etc.
I mean all your accomplishments are due to your own choices. It doesn't sound like you've leveraged your network, or you otherwise haven't fostered a beneficial one, so it's not fair to compare those fruits to your solo ones. It should be obvious that an orchestrated group can always accomplish more. And that a healthy network can inspire your best solo work.
I feel that certain types of people hold me back, which was why I mentioned picking up on the passive aggressive remarks, etc., and it was better for me to distance myself. This has been a trend my entire life where I genuinely believe that these other people feel threatened or insecure around me so they resort to put downs, etc. This is the reason why I've become highly selective with who I spend time with and as I mentioned on here earlier it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people that are on my level. This is especially the case for dating/relationships.
Sure certain people hold you back, just like certain people can propel your success beyond your wildest dreams. My point is many times these two qualities come from the same person. It may feel like someone is holding you back, but with more time you see that you're simply different, both better in your own field.
You may find a very smart, rich, and successful man that shares pearls of wisdom with you, but also occasionally undermines your character due to his own insecurities. If you cut everyone out that had a quirk like this, you'd lead a very lonely life and miss many many opportunities.
As you alienate yourself, your social skills atrophy, which will in turn make you even more selective with people. You may bs yourself that you're superior to everyone, instead of facing the fact that your social life and empathy are severely neglected.
Take this as a warning, feeling like others are not up to your standards and struggling to find circles you enjoy puts lots of unnecessary pressure on yourself. It's self fulfilling in that people will pick up on your critical eye/high horse mindset, and throw passive aggression your way. Who likes to feel inferior? To feel like they're constantly being judged and weighed? Enjoying your time with others requires no **** measuring, and shouldn't be some eggshell walking exercise. It should be freeing, fun, a time to relax and be goofy.[/QUOTE]
