>character described as a social recluse
>has several friends, a love interest, and supportive family

>incel author
>films a porno with a groupie

My character isn't a recluse but a shut-in. Hardly goes outside but socializes with many people online including a love interest.

>>24537743
>socializes...online

if this is you projecting immediately stop work on this book and start going on 5 hour walks twice a day

This is part of why I disliked Catcher in the Rye. Holden is an obnoxious moron but he has friends and even a cute girl who practically throws herself at his feet. Get fucking real.

>>24537835
Plausible if he's very good-looking.

>>24537711
Who did that?

>>24537818
>start going on 5 hour walks twice a day
This is some demented advice

>>24536371 (OP)
Funny you should say that, but "social reclusedom" is the starting state of my protagonist, but she opens up more as the story goes on and gets actual friends.

>>24539364
Nta but Houellebecq, albeit no serious person could call him an incel

>>24539380
>she

>>24539414
Yeah, a female. How very fucking novel ha amirite?

>>24537818
I'm J K Toole and the character's my Ignatius.

>>24537835
That's the point of the story, dumbass. Those things don't add meaning or happiness just by themselves.
If you suddenly found yourself with a bunch of friends and a hot chick who wanted to neck you, it wouldn't suddenly make you well-adjusted and satisfied if you have underlying issues. Also people keep forgetting Holden is like fucking fifteen.

When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go
Cause everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (hold on)
If you think you've had too much
Of this life, well hang on
Cause everybody hurts
>Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don't throw your hand, oh no
Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts, sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts

>women online talk about how they're shy and introverted
>very next post is about going to the club with friends

>>24541609
Not at all — being shy and introverted doesn't mean you're incapable of going out with friends. It just means the experience may feel different for you than it does for more extroverted or socially confident people.

Here's the breakdown:


---

Introverted ≠ antisocial

Introverts tend to recharge alone, but they still value close relationships.

You might prefer smaller groups, deeper conversations, or quieter settings — but that doesn't mean you don't want or enjoy social time.
---

Shyness ≠ isolation

Shy people might feel anxious or uncertain around others, especially in unfamiliar situations.

But many shy people still crave connection. It just takes more emotional effort to engage — especially at first.

Once they feel safe and accepted, they often open up deeply.
---

So yes, you can absolutely:

Go out with friends.

Have meaningful social lives.

Enjoy being around people — in your own way.
---

Tips if you're shy or introverted:

Choose your social situations wisely — smaller gatherings > loud parties.

Prep mentally before going out (have conversation topics, give yourself a time limit).

Hang out with people who respect your pace — not those who pressure you.

Allow downtime afterward to recharge — that's normal and necessary for introverts.
---

Real Talk:

Even some of the most thoughtful, introspective people struggle socially — but still build close circles. You don't have to be loud or outgoing to belong. You just have to be authentic and show up when you’re ready.

Do you feel like you're more introverted, more shy, or both?

ChatGPT/Claude et al responses should be a genuine automatic 3 day ban

>>24536371 (OP)
To be fair back in the 1800s you had to go outside every once in a while even as the perfect recluse or hermit. Assuming this is about Raskolnikov

>>24541618
most effeminate shit ive ever read

>>24541794
No shit, its clearly an AI-generated reply.

>>24539367
what, you don't spend literally your entire day walking around aimlessly? stuck-up prude.

>>24541609
There are a lot more introverted than extraverted girls but truly shy women don't even post online

Long walks are good for writing. Also, everyone feels like a recluse, no matter how social they are. You can easily flip it around and say that the people who go out feel more insecure about possibly being seen as introverted. There is no number of friends one can have that will finally make one feel like they belong to the in-group.