Everyone has something to contribute. It’s not your Harvard-ness that convinces me of this. It’s your existence on this planet.
You say you are a “worthless loser.” I say you are a late bloomer, socially. A little fertilizer–in the form of getting some help–and you WILL bloom! But YOU have to believe that.
I don’t know what behaviors of yours have you convinced that we wouldn’t like you if we met you, but even people whose natural behavior falls way outside society’s norms can usually find some compatible souls…as long as they don’t give up on themselves.
I’ve taught a student who was selectively mute, which is obviously a social challenge. She developed friends. (And apparently she and one of those friends CLEANED UP at the campus Casino Night! I practically cackled when I learned this. Those quiet ones can fool you!)
I’ve taught several students on the autism spectrum, some of whom exhibit behaviors that can get judged. They nonetheless developed friends.
I know this genius of a guy who was homeschooled and had a very limited social circle outside his family. He had never been on a date. He is now dating my daughter and is The Best Boyfriend, and has developed a nice social circle at college too. I’m so happy for him.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK is important.
Working on MENTAL HEALTH is important.
Putting yourself out there is important. You don’t have to go to big bashes…but go to a club meeting or two. Give yourself opportunities to connect.
PRIORITIZE YOURSELF. YOU ARE WORTH IT.