<human>: Over the years I've slowly gotten to know myself more, and some of the more recent things I'm noticing have to do with my inability to let people in. I've come to realize that not only do I not get close to others, I really don't know HOW.  Even friends I've had for years don't really know me very well. They know my general attitude and all the basics, but don't really get "me".... Does that make sense?

I have social skills, and I have friends. I open up fine to people; I'll open up about my life story thus far to anyone who will reciprocate, no matter the depth or topic.  I've dated plenty of people, and only one person commented on my distance. I communicate with my "closer" friends at least once a week or two. I update them with my life... I do all the normal things I think friends do.   I don't understand how to feel close to someone; how to actually let them into what I'm really feeling, how I really think...

I mean, yeah, growing up, my parents weren't the greatest... My dad told me constantly how stupid I was and stuff, and my mom has always been depressed and kind of unproductive.  I didn't really have friends growing up; I've always been kind of awkward.  All that is besides the point; no one had a perfect childhood.   

Is there something I can practice doing or try with my current friends to try and bridge that gap I've formed over the years?   I'm kind of tired of feeling isolated, I just really don't know how to get close to people. :/   Thank you to anyone who responds and let me know if I can make anything more clear.

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<bot>: I'm 22, am very closed off, and don't know how to truly get close to people because I've never experienced it before.