What to do if you Meet a Recluse


Many people have misconceptions about recluses, and there are good reasons for this. 'Hermits' have long been derided as criminals, terrorists, or just plain 'creepy'. However, they are also people just like you and I. If treated with a sufficient amount of respect or interest, they usually will socialize normally or even impress you with normally bottled-up skills or ideas.


• Step 1: Make absolutely sure that the person is a genuine recluse.
  
  If you do meet a recluse on the rare occaision that he or she has ventured outside their usual 'comfort' territory, it will usually become apparent soon enough that they are a genuine recluse. There are two very good signposts you can use:
  
  
  1. He or she will not speak under any circumstances. (Make sure they're not simply deaf.)
  2. The person drops many hints at anti-social tendancies.
  
  
  Note that the latter is more likely in younger recluses, who have not been jaded about the fact of their condition.
  
  
• Step 2: Be friendly.
  
  Often, recluses are non-violent and dossile when not under the influence of any substances or not under great stress from any source. Try small talk, since this might drop their xenophobic guard.
  
  
• Step 3: With time and attention, recluses can recover.
  
  If you find that conversing or associating with a particular recluse is tolerable or even enjoyable, try 'integrating' on a low level at first. Often, this is the quickest and most painless road to recovery. You might be able to help in your own little way.


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