I'm 18, about to start college. I'm quiet and not outgoing, but I don't really have any problems talking to people.

My problem is with my dad. He's the type that if I ask him for an opinion on anything, I have to prepare myself to listen to him talk for the next five minutes. He's really sociable and talks about everything.

He's very worried about me, as he seems to think I have no social skills whatsoever, that I glare at every stranger who comes near, that I won't know what to do if I'm in an unexpected social situation, etc. He emphasizes this to everyone he meets when I come up in the conversation. He makes everyone else treat me awkwardly.

I've tried out various options. First, I've attempted to explain to him that I'm socially fine and he should stop being concerned about me, but he doesn't listen, and if he does, he just insists that I have no idea what I'm talking about. Second, I've tried ignoring and avoiding him, but I live with him, so it's pretty difficult. My college is right next to my house, and it's a really good college, so I have no reason to stay in dorms or to transfer to another one farther away.

I'm fine with myself and my ability to socialize, but my dad keeps pushing me around to fit his ideal. I'm really sick of living like this. It's wearing me down, but I'm not sure what to do. Should I move into the dorms even though it's expensive?

Finally decided to go with a dorm and save myself the mental anguish. Didn't get any replies, but thanks for letting me organize my thoughts out. ^^

Hah, didn't see this but I would have posted. You remind me of me before I started college. Dorms are a good thing. Say goodbye to your current outlook on being social, whether you want to or not!