So, here's an update on what's going on with my social and interpersonal skills situation:
- My QMHP has just announced her pregnancy and has informed us that she will be due in October. Also, she told me that if I got too uncomfortable while working with her, she would refer me to another QMHP within the mental health center.
- As she was discussing her pregnancy, an idea sparked into her mind regrading improving my social and interpersonal skills. The idea she discussed involved taking me around the center to practice my skills - with worksheets and other materials to help me practice in real life situations. She also discussed giving each walk around the center an evaluation on what goes well and what needs improvement.
- I have put online dating on hold - at least through August 19th and most likely indefinitely - while I learn and practice these skills.
- I am also reading and doing homework in a number of books - including Stop Overreacting by Dr. Julia Siegal (which focuses on the temper aspects); How to Attract Anyone, Anytime and Anywhere by Susan Rabin, Conversation Casanova by Dave Perotta, and The Dating Handbook For Men by Andrew Ferebee for dating and flirting - and I currently have The Psychology of Influence on hold in the digital collection of my local library. I will also start reading a book called Socially Accepted and several others regarding social skills. So there's promise somewhere.
- I have also viewed several videos on attraction and social skills on YouTube and have taken notes as I view each one.