Social Relationships

I have a tendency to isolate myself when overwhelmed.  How do you cope with being overwhelmed by caregiving and all the tasks that make up one's life?  Good friends are one antidote, and - being an introvert - I tend for a few, very close friends to a large number of acquaintances.  To help me cope, I choose friends who talk about positive matters - even when talking about serious matters, who support me, who listen, who laugh, who have fun.   What do you look for in friendships?