[Liam-]

People have a go saying he doesn't open up or share his feelings so they think he's fake, then when he tries to, he still gets bollocked, the man can't win.

[chuff me dizzy]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

[/B]??? WTF are you talking about?

To SPECIFICALLY what are you referring, and to SPECIFICALLY who are you accusing of being insulting - Jason or me?

The second part of your post - which I have emboldened - COMPLETELY contradicts the first part of it, and the part which I have underscored completely CONTRADICTS the second part.

First you state that:
:
1) It is an insult to to "all only children and people that live on their own" for Jason to imply that his social akwardness is due to being an only child and living on his own for 29 years. (Or you are stating that I am responsible for insulting all "only children and people who live on their own" - because I am the author of the post AND the phrase 'socially akward' to which you object.)

THEN in the very next sentences, you state:

2)"Jason is socially awkward. Because of experiences unique to him and his life."

THEN in the last sentence, you state:

3)"but the excuses are nonsensical".

None of it makes much sense does it?

OF COURSE Jason was referring to 'experiences unique to him an his life' - WHOSE life experiences is he going to refer to when trying to explain why he is the way he is?

OF COURSE Jason's experience of being an only child and living for so long on his own is NOT unique to Jason, and OF COURSE such an experience will NOT have impacted upon ALL others who share that history.

BUT IT HAS AFFECTED JASON.

There are in the UK, a lot of teenagers and young adults who have spent the greater part of their lives texting, and writing and messaging on the internet, or game playing on the net, with others - some in far flung countries - and ALL executed in a smooth, adept, confident manner.

Yet, many of those people cannot engage in the most basic of conversations when in a 'real life' physical social situation, and they have NO confidence, and stammer, stutter, and flush with embarrassment at just BEING in such a situation when spoken to.

Not ALL, but definitely some.

Some practiced 'keyboard' conversationalists WILL shine just as effortlessly in a real life conversation as they do on the net etc.

BECAUSE we are ALL different.

Jason did not expound on just WHAT type of childhood he had as an 'only' child; some parents smother an only child with love and dote on it, others are as neglectful of one child as they would be 6 or 7.

Some parents play and interact with their children, others leave them for long hours, lonely and unattended - ignoring the child's screaming to boot.

Whatever Jason's experiences are, only HE knows, but the fact that HE attributes being an only child and living alone for 29 years as being contributary factors in his shyness and social awkwardness, makes sense to me - as it does, I am sure, to millions of other people, who are not biased against him to begin with, and therefore not looking so desperately to clutch at non-existent straws in their quest to discredit him further.

It is plainly evident - to any rational, honest, impartial, viewer, that Jason HAS emotional and psychological issues (as do millions of other people in this country) but it is abhorrent, that when a man, who not only DOES find it immensely difficult to 'open up' to others, but also finds it just as difficult to express himself and articulate just what he means, DOES TRY TO, is immediately and unfairly lambasted as being 'fake' and accused of 'trying to win a sympathy vote'.

You have NO evidence that Jason's "excuses are nonsensical" but are trying to claim that YOU know better than HE does as to just how his childhood experiences and single life has impacted upon his social skills and ability to be able to interact with others.

I'd be very interested in just how you are qualified to state as much.

[chuff me dizzy]

Originally Posted by Liam-

People have a go saying he doesn't open up or share his feelings so they think he's fake, then when he tries to, he still gets bollocked, the man can't win.

True ,its scares some people that he's a massive threat to their fav winning

[jet]

Originally Posted by Ammi

....hmmm, the apparent 'root of his anxieties' though, Maru...the connecting of them for him etc..?...do seem a little coincidental and convenient with him feeling a sense of losing control and how he's reacting to that...cue nomination time, cue huge hugs for Sam and I love you man...and then Sam and Jackson nominate him...so then it's, does he feel a sense of hurt about that or a sense of losing control over nominations that he felt that he had assured wouldn't go to him..?...hmmmm, he does seem to react very badly to not having control and it's the only time, I've really seen noticeable reactions/ negative behaviour from him...like Charlie discussing him with others..?..(I also do keep thinking about Charlie and her low self esteem and how a 'controlling' person may be drawn to her because of what it gives them over her emotions and hence her confusions maybe..)...anyways, I think he's very much played a game in a tactical way/methodical and non-emotional type way... but hasn't really taken into considerations the personalities and emotions of others because I do think that it's a huge weakness for him, which is why also he was so dumb-founded that many were hurt so much in him evicting Lateysha...anyways, maybe I'm being a bit harsh and cynical with thinking about the timing of his 'revelation' but I do hope that he's grown from this experience in that realising 'teamwork' and 'group' dynamics etc is very much about people and personalities/emotions as well and considering those as well as tactics....

Yes Ammi, I share a lot of your thoughts here. I think Jason's need to be in control at all times is the most noticeable facet of his personality. His iron control with Charlie; the way he measures every word and takes his time when speaking (and not speaking that much.) He's very tactical and lives inside his own head. The thing that stood out for me at the time was the absolute shock on his face at the HM's reaction just after had named Laytesha to be evicted. He knew she was popular, he knew she was his greatest competition, but it seemed he hadn't taken into consideration how the others would feel. He's playing the game unemotionally, and he's not good at reading the feelings/motives/personalities of others.
When it all goes wrong, he tends to withdraw even further into himself for self protection and becomes a impenetrable block of stone. He would have been justified imo in showing his hurt and anger (that he's HUMAN) but as he doesn't come across very often as a warm person but more as a calculating one (whether he is or not) he doesn't get much warmth in return. A nice man, yes, but one who isn't easy to get to know/relate to because he's too self controlled and sullen when things get tricky.

[Northern Monkey]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

The guy was trying to explain that he was 'socially akward' because he was an only child and had lived on his own for 29 years. Both factors have a great bearing on Jason's shyness and his inability to socially intertact wih others.

And finally.Common sense prevails


Atleast he did'nt start blubbering for attention like the ginger bird.

[hot2go]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

[/B]??? WTF are you talking about?

To SPECIFICALLY what are you referring, and to SPECIFICALLY who are you accusing of being insulting - Jason or me?

The second part of your post - which I have emboldened - COMPLETELY contradicts the first part of it, and the part which I have underscored completely CONTRADICTS the second part.

First you state that:
:
1) It is an insult to to "all only children and people that live on their own" for Jason to imply that his social akwardness is due to being an only child and living on his own for 29 years. (Or you are stating that I am responsible for insulting all "only children and people who live on their own" - because I am the author of the post AND the phrase 'socially akward' to which you object.)

THEN in the very next sentences, you state:

2)"Jason is socially awkward. Because of experiences unique to him and his life."

THEN in the last sentence, you state:

3)"but the excuses are nonsensical".

None of it makes much sense does it?

OF COURSE Jason was referring to 'experiences unique to him an his life' - WHOSE life experiences is he going to refer to when trying to explain why he is the way he is?

OF COURSE Jason's experience of being an only child and living for so long on his own is NOT unique to Jason, and OF COURSE such an experience will NOT have impacted upon ALL others who share that history.

BUT IT HAS AFFECTED JASON.

There are in the UK, a lot of teenagers and young adults who have spent the greater part of their lives texting, and writing and messaging on the internet, or game playing on the net, with others - some in far flung countries - and ALL executed in a smooth, adept, confident manner.

Yet, many of those people cannot engage in the most basic of conversations when in a 'real life' physical social situation, and they have NO confidence, and stammer, stutter, and flush with embarrassment at just BEING in such a situation when spoken to.

Not ALL, but definitely some.

Some practiced 'keyboard' conversationalists WILL shine just as effortlessly in a real life conversation as they do on the net etc.

BECAUSE we are ALL different.

Jason did not expound on just WHAT type of childhood he had as an 'only' child; some parents smother an only child with love and dote on it, others are as neglectful of one child as they would be 6 or 7.

Some parents play and interact with their children, others leave them for long hours, lonely and unattended - ignoring the child's screaming to boot.

Whatever Jason's experiences are, only HE knows, but the fact that HE attributes being an only child and living alone for 29 years as being contributary factors in his shyness and social awkwardness, makes sense to me - as it does, I am sure, to millions of other people, who are not biased against him to begin with, and therefore not looking so desperately to clutch at non-existent straws in their quest to discredit him further.

It is plainly evident - to any rational, honest, impartial, viewer, that Jason HAS emotional and psychological issues (as do millions of other people in this country) but it is abhorrent, that when a man, who not only DOES find it immensely difficult to 'open up' to others, but also finds it just as difficult to express himself and articulate just what he means, DOES TRY TO, is immediately and unfairly lambasted as being 'fake' and accused of 'trying to win a sympathy vote'.

You have NO evidence that Jason's "excuses are nonsensical" but are trying to claim that YOU know better than HE does as to just how his childhood experiences and single life has impacted upon his social skills and ability to be able to interact with others.

I'd be very interested in just how you are qualified to state as much.

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

[/B]??? WTF are you talking about?

To SPECIFICALLY what are you referring, and to SPECIFICALLY who are you accusing of being insulting - Jason or me?

The second part of your post - which I have emboldened - COMPLETELY contradicts the first part of it, and the part which I have underscored completely CONTRADICTS the second part.

First you state that:
:
1) It is an insult to to "all only children and people that live on their own" for Jason to imply that his social akwardness is due to being an only child and living on his own for 29 years. (Or you are stating that I am responsible for insulting all "only children and people who live on their own" - because I am the author of the post AND the phrase 'socially akward' to which you object.)

THEN in the very next sentences, you state:

2)"Jason is socially awkward. Because of experiences unique to him and his life."

THEN in the last sentence, you state:

3)"but the excuses are nonsensical".

None of it makes much sense does it?

OF COURSE Jason was referring to 'experiences unique to him an his life' - WHOSE life experiences is he going to refer to when trying to explain why he is the way he is?

OF COURSE Jason's experience of being an only child and living for so long on his own is NOT unique to Jason, and OF COURSE such an experience will NOT have impacted upon ALL others who share that history.

BUT IT HAS AFFECTED JASON.

There are in the UK, a lot of teenagers and young adults who have spent the greater part of their lives texting, and writing and messaging on the internet, or game playing on the net, with others - some in far flung countries - and ALL executed in a smooth, adept, confident manner.

Yet, many of those people cannot engage in the most basic of conversations when in a 'real life' physical social situation, and they have NO confidence, and stammer, stutter, and flush with embarrassment at just BEING in such a situation when spoken to.

Not ALL, but definitely some.

Some practiced 'keyboard' conversationalists WILL shine just as effortlessly in a real life conversation as they do on the net etc.

BECAUSE we are ALL different.

Jason did not expound on just WHAT type of childhood he had as an 'only' child; some parents smother an only child with love and dote on it, others are as neglectful of one child as they would be 6 or 7.

Some parents play and interact with their children, others leave them for long hours, lonely and unattended - ignoring the child's screaming to boot.

Whatever Jason's experiences are, only HE knows, but the fact that HE attributes being an only child and living alone for 29 years as being contributary factors in his shyness and social awkwardness, makes sense to me - as it does, I am sure, to millions of other people, who are not biased against him to begin with, and therefore not looking so desperately to clutch at non-existent straws in their quest to discredit him further.

It is plainly evident - to any rational, honest, impartial, viewer, that Jason HAS emotional and psychological issues (as do millions of other people in this country) but it is abhorrent, that when a man, who not only DOES find it immensely difficult to 'open up' to others, but also finds it just as difficult to express himself and articulate just what he means, DOES TRY TO, is immediately and unfairly lambasted as being 'fake' and accused of 'trying to win a sympathy vote'.

You have NO evidence that Jason's "excuses are nonsensical" but are trying to claim that YOU know better than HE does as to just how his childhood experiences and single life has impacted upon his social skills and ability to be able to interact with others.

I'd be very interested in just how you are qualified to state as much.

Kirk,how nice it is to get a balanced view of things instead of the childish one liners,I totally agree in what you say,Jason is awkward and finds it difficult to open up but I bet once he does he is a great conversationalist ,it just shows the lack of caring some people have for people they don't understand,he is a shining light amongst a houseful of dim candles.

[jet]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

[/B]??? WTF are you talking about?

To SPECIFICALLY what are you referring, and to SPECIFICALLY who are you accusing of being insulting - Jason or me?

The second part of your post - which I have emboldened - COMPLETELY contradicts the first part of it, and the part which I have underscored completely CONTRADICTS the second part.

First you state that:
:
1) It is an insult to to "all only children and people that live on their own" for Jason to imply that his social akwardness is due to being an only child and living on his own for 29 years. (Or you are stating that I am responsible for insulting all "only children and people who live on their own" - because I am the author of the post AND the phrase 'socially akward' to which you object.)

THEN in the very next sentences, you state:

2)"Jason is socially awkward. Because of experiences unique to him and his life."

THEN in the last sentence, you state:

3)"but the excuses are nonsensical".

None of it makes much sense does it?

OF COURSE Jason was referring to 'experiences unique to him an his life' - WHOSE life experiences is he going to refer to when trying to explain why he is the way he is?

OF COURSE Jason's experience of being an only child and living for so long on his own is NOT unique to Jason, and OF COURSE such an experience will NOT have impacted upon ALL others who share that history.

BUT IT HAS AFFECTED JASON.

There are in the UK, a lot of teenagers and young adults who have spent the greater part of their lives texting, and writing and messaging on the internet, or game playing on the net, with others - some in far flung countries - and ALL executed in a smooth, adept, confident manner.

Yet, many of those people cannot engage in the most basic of conversations when in a 'real life' physical social situation, and they have NO confidence, and stammer, stutter, and flush with embarrassment at just BEING in such a situation when spoken to.

Not ALL, but definitely some.

Some practiced 'keyboard' conversationalists WILL shine just as effortlessly in a real life conversation as they do on the net etc.

BECAUSE we are ALL different.

Jason did not expound on just WHAT type of childhood he had as an 'only' child; some parents smother an only child with love and dote on it, others are as neglectful of one child as they would be 6 or 7.

Some parents play and interact with their children, others leave them for long hours, lonely and unattended - ignoring the child's screaming to boot.

Whatever Jason's experiences are, only HE knows, but the fact that HE attributes being an only child and living alone for 29 years as being contributary factors in his shyness and social awkwardness, makes sense to me - as it does, I am sure, to millions of other people, who are not biased against him to begin with, and therefore not looking so desperately to clutch at non-existent straws in their quest to discredit him further.

It is plainly evident - to any rational, honest, impartial, viewer, that Jason HAS emotional and psychological issues (as do millions of other people in this country) but it is abhorrent, that when a man, who not only DOES find it immensely difficult to 'open up' to others, but also finds it just as difficult to express himself and articulate just what he means, DOES TRY TO, is immediately and unfairly lambasted as being 'fake' and accused of 'trying to win a sympathy vote'.

You have NO evidence that Jason's "excuses are nonsensical" but are trying to claim that YOU know better than HE does as to just how his childhood experiences and single life has impacted upon his social skills and ability to be able to interact with others.

I'd be very interested in just how you are qualified to state as much.

Jeez Kirk, you went a bit hard on sassy there.
Since when do you have to be qualified to give an opinion on a forum. None of us have any evidence of anything, we're all just spouting off...

[Crimson Dynamo]

King Jason tugging the heartstrings of the watching mums and single girls -garnering his berth into the final 3 like a boss

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by sassyfox

Of course my comment was aimed at Jason and not you - I've said that Jason's excuse of being an only child & living alone is insulting. Not a deliberate one, but it leads there nonetheless.

Being an only child doesn't make you socially awkward. His parent's parenting skills, a traumatic incident in his life, etc etc is the foundation. Saying that having no siblings or living alone automatically predetermines you to be socially awkward is an insult.

I've, personally, not accused Jason of going for a sympathy vote. But his excuses are nonsensical - to blame his behaviour on being an only child and living alone, saying that he thought he'd deal with his social awkwardness by going into the Big Brother House

There's nothing wrong with Jason being different. Though there is clearly a need for him to sort through his issues properly and not try and put plasters over such massive issues and pass them off as being because he's an only child.

I'm a bit confused here,some of the housemates wanted to know about him,so he told them!! , he wasn't looking for sympathy or making excuses he was telling them about his life as they said they didn't really know him,why is he getting stick because of that?

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by sassyfox

Of course my comment was aimed at Jason and not you - I've said that Jason's excuse of being an only child & living alone is insulting. Not a deliberate one, but it leads there nonetheless.

Being an only child doesn't make you socially awkward. His parent's parenting skills, a traumatic incident in his life, etc etc is the foundation. Saying that having no siblings or living alone automatically predetermines you to be socially awkward is an insult.

I've, personally, not accused Jason of going for a sympathy vote. But his excuses are nonsensical - to blame his behaviour on being an only child and living alone, saying that he thought he'd deal with his social awkwardness by going into the Big Brother House

There's nothing wrong with Jason being different. Though there is clearly a need for him to sort through his issues properly and not try and put plasters over such massive issues and pass them off as being because he's an only child.

I was not deliberately trying to come across as hard on you Sassy - I really was confused by the first part of your post.

I am still though, confused.

Jason did not actually say that "having no siblings or living alone automatically predetermines" him "to be socially awkward", though did he? And the phrase 'socially akward' is one I used not Jason.

My point is, that either Jason did not actually expound on what he was trying to say, or if he did, BB did not show us it.

I think if you replay the video, you will see the truth of the above.

As fot the apparent contradiction in Jason being 'socially akward' and him entering BB, I do not think that this is so odd, because, perhaps he has seen quiet reserved types WIN the show before, and felt that he could replicate that - WITHOUT fully realising how cut-throat people can be in there?

I think we actually agree on other points.

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by sassyfox

Not a problem, we're both just having our say, it's cool (that's a sincere smile as well lol, sometimes these smiles can come across otherwise)

I think for ease of chatting on the forum we're referring to Jason's keeping to himself, not really talking, not really joining in with the recent parties, not opening up as 'socially awkward'. He didn't use that phrase, but he was explaining that those behaviours are down to him being an only child and living alone.

In an earlier post I said he may have got a bad edit because what he said didn't flow properly. Maybe he started to talk and then decided against it because truthfully why should he open up to these housemates? But in that post I was commenting on what we saw and the only child & living alone being the sole reasons.

Your points about his issues are valid and that's why I think he should take some bigger steps to work through them rather than do a reality show which will only make them worse.

Great response Sassy.Thank you.

[Lostie!]

Originally Posted by Jan S

i found it pretty clear, tbh: he was explaining to his friends how he finds it easier to withdraw and think things over due to his solitary lifestyle than to open up and share things with others. he's less than ''sociable'' behaviour of withdrawing is simply because of circumstances.

Originally Posted by rusticgal

He was trying to say that as an only child he dealt with things by himself...he was trying to explain that that is why he doesn't open up to people about his problems..he retracts and deals with things himself.
Many of them seem to question why he doesn't share his feelings and that was his answer...don't see what's wrong with that
It doesn't mean that every only child is like that but that's his explanation...we don't know anything about his upbringing....people on here are too quick to judge.

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

The guy was trying to explain that he was 'socially akward' because he was an only child and had lived on his own for 29 years. Both factors have a great bearing on Jason's shyness and his inability to socially intertact wih others.

Yeah, all of this tbh. I just think Jason's at that point where anything he does or says will be torn apart and scrutinized.

[rusticgal]

Originally Posted by Lostie!

Yeah, all of this tbh. I just think Jason's at that point where anything he does or says will be torn apart and scrutinized.

Yeah he just can't do right from wrong.

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by Guy Gadbois

Well, it is an insult i guess?

So if I tell someone I am an only child,I am insulting them ? Wft.

[Drew.]

Originally Posted by rusticgal

He was trying to say that as an only child he dealt with things by himself...he was trying to explain that that is why he doesn't open up to people about his problems..he retracts and deals with things himself.
Many of them seem to question why he doesn't share his feelings and that was his answer...don't see what's wrong with that
It doesn't mean that every only child is like that but that's his explanation...we don't know anything about his upbringing....people on here are too quick to judge.

I can relate to this completely. It's more or less how i deal with things as well. And I wouldn't say its looking for sympathy or anything like that either, it's just a way of dealing with things thats different to most people.

[sosadbbend]

Originally Posted by Jan S

i found it pretty clear, tbh: he was explaining to his friends how he finds it easier to withdraw and think things over due to his solitary lifestyle than to open up and share things with others. he's less than ''sociable'' behaviour of withdrawing is simply because of circumstances.

Exactly! That's what I took from the conversation too and how bloody mean of Evelyn to go and bitch about it!

[Maru]

Originally Posted by Ammi

....hmmm, the apparent 'root of his anxieties' though, Maru...the connecting of them for him etc..?...do seem a little coincidental and convenient with him feeling a sense of losing control and how he's reacting to that...cue nomination time, cue huge hugs for Sam and I love you man...and then Sam and Jackson nominate him...so then it's, does he feel a sense of hurt about that or a sense of losing control over nominations that he felt that he had assured wouldn't go to him..?...hmmmm, he does seem to react very badly to not having control and it's the only time, I've really seen noticeable reactions/ negative behaviour from him...like Charlie discussing him with others..?..(I also do keep thinking about Charlie and her low self esteem and how a 'controlling' person may be drawn to her because of what it gives them over her emotions and hence her confusions maybe..)...anyways, I think he's very much played a game in a tactical way/methodical and non-emotional type way... but hasn't really taken into considerations the personalities and emotions of others because I do think that it's a huge weakness for him, which is why also he was so dumb-founded that many were hurt so much in him evicting Lateysha...anyways, maybe I'm being a bit harsh and cynical with thinking about the timing of his 'revelation' but I do hope that he's grown from this experience in that realising 'teamwork' and 'group' dynamics etc is very much about people and personalities/emotions as well and considering those as well as tactics....

Yeah that's where I think he's a failed and very flawed HM for me. I can understand why some people find him a favorite for his tactical-ness and severity, but for me it's a major sign of character weakness.

Aside from his very apparently selfish motivators in the house, half of which we probably don't even know because he is so secretive, I think his single child revelation does add a layer of interest to how he works and thinks as a person. In the very least, it can explain how he can appear so selfish and remain that way despite credible points made by other HM. Though I personally feel his independence streak is at play here. Even for a tactical player, he would've needed to have relied more on others and networked better with other HM's despite Charlie's opposing influence in the house, and in failing to do that he failed to play the game properly and the way it was meant to be played (imo)... if it was tactical, then he made the wrong decision. However, if he is dealing with a disadvantage personally, then maybe being a single child would explain part of his motivators/logic. I really don't think it explains everything aside from his overall demeanor.

Nobody can control everything that happens inside the house (unless given a ****ty advantage by BB) which is what makes it such an interesting game.

[Beso]

luckily for jason his upbringing is allowed as a defence to defend how he can be.

good job he got sent to school.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by parmnion

luckily for jason his upbringing is allowed as a defence to defend how he can be.

good job he got sent to school.

[Ammi]

...but yes, them's the rules Parmy baby...if we like someone, they get the understandings and the thought but if we're not so keen then them is just THICK AS....

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Drew.

I can relate to this completely. It's more or less how i deal with things as well. And I wouldn't say its looking for sympathy or anything like that either, it's just a way of dealing with things thats different to most people.

One of my closest friends from the late 60's was a really strikingly handsome guy - 6 feet tall, athletically built, very very handsome, and always well dressed. He looked like he should have had the world at his feet, but he was so painfully shy, introverted and socially 'akward' that it was painful to see him 'struggle' in company.

I was - and still am - the polar opposite, extroverted and at ease in any situation, and I 'carried' him in a way, because INSIDE that shy akward, stumbling exterior, was one of the nicest guys anyone could hope to meet.

He did DID talk freely with me and a few others who were in OUR goup, if you like, and we KNEW the real him, but if we were out and even one stranger was in sight, he just stood there looking out of place and flushed up if the stranger spoke to him.

He passed away a few years ago now bless him. RIP.

I recognise Jason because of my own experience, and I don't think he is 'playing for sympathy' either - people like my friend and Jason DON'T need 'sympathy' just UNDERSTANDING.

[MarcusMel]

Originally Posted by parmnion

luckily for jason his upbringing is allowed as a defence to defend how he can be.

good job he got sent to school.

and in school children can be so crule to those that just a little bit different and sensitive to practical jokes and cutting remarks. The only solution to the young mind is to shut down and not know how much you are giving your so called friends the satisfaction of seeing your pain. Yep school is a great place for some!

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

One of my closest friends from the late 60's was a really strikingly handsome guy - 6 feet tall, athletically built, very very handsome, and always well dressed. He looked like he should have had the world at his feet, but he was so painfully shy, introverted and socially 'akward' that it was painful to see him 'struggle' in company.

I was - and still am - the polar opposite, extroverted and at ease in any situation, and I 'carried' him in a way, because INSIDE that shy akward, stumbling exterior, was one of the nicest guys anyone could hope to meet.

He did DID talk freely with me and a few others who were in OUR goup, if you like, and we KNEW the real him, but if we were out and even one stranger was in sight, he just stood there looking out of place and flushed up if the stranger spoke to him.

He passed away a few years ago now bless him. RIP.

I recognise Jason because of my own experience, and I don't think he is 'playing for sympathy' either - people like my friend and Jason DON'T need 'sympathy' just UNDERSTANDING.

Well said Kirk,i totally understand him too,he IS a nice guy and some of us see that ,as we have had those life experiences. Unfortunately for him, he hasn't got the mindset of a twat. Plus he is overwhelmed by all the back stabbing. So he is coming across as miserable ,well hello ,normal people would feel exactly the same.

[RavenleFey]

I'm an only child. I understood it as him trying to explain that's why he withdraws a bit and isn't very open. I'm certainly like that and always have been, if I have a problem I never go to anyone for help, I bottle it up and try to work things out myself. I think it does explain a lot of his behaviour.