cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/3368394
and how do you deflect prying questions about you and limit these rituals to 2 minutes instead of wasting 30 minutes?
asking as somebody who, if not on the spectrum, is socially awkward, likes solitude, boundaries and to be left alone (to do the job)
I still believe none of your answers is going to help me because neurotypical solutions don’t work for me but I have nothing to lose with this question.
I’m friendly and charming, and read body language cues competently to help me navigate social interactions. You can usually tell when someone is shy, semi non-verbal and/or on the spectrum and I just limit my interactions with them not to overload them (they’re already feeling a lot just by being around people, making them feel like they “have to” interact with me would be cruel, I don’t want them to short circuit!).
You also have to change your expectations of “normal human socializing” with these people: basically, as long as they’re not overtly rude, they’re okay in my book. They’re not like regular folks who won’t talk because they have something against you personally, they just don’t do that in general (besides with their “favourite person” and online, as people here are just lines of text), and that’s something I’ve learned to keep in mind. So just give them space, nod and smile, and it’s all good in the world. 👍