Hi Everyone, I'm new here

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Hi all y'all,

My name is Sam and I've been having a lot of trouble for many years "normally" connecting with people, especially people my age. I'm about to turn 27. I first heard about Asperger's Syndrome through a friend of mine who had been suspected initially of being within the Asperger's range on the autism spectrum. Knowing what I know now about my friend, I can't help but chuckle to myself at the idea that he would be an Asperger's candidate. He's far more socially functional than I am. My dad, a family practice physician, suggested that I might be classified as having Asperger's. Visits to three different therapists have since proven inconclusive; "maybe or maybe not" has usually been the response.

I have an obsession with airplanes. Aviation imagery pervades throughout my mind and permeates every thought, practically.

I'm very particular and repetitive with many habits, especially when it comes to music and restaurants. I know what I like , and while I consider myself to be an adventurous sort, I tend to stick to what I like when it comes to music and going out to eat. When I go for walks, I go to the same parks and spots I've always gone. When I get online, I go to the same sites I've always gone to.

I waver between extremes over-cautious empathy when considering how my remarks or actions will affect another, and utterly careless, narcissistic lack of consideration.

That being said, I don't fear new people. In fact, I love meeting new people and chatting with them. I find I have a much easier time interacting and conversing with people twice my age, whereas I find my age group to be awkward. I'll hold out my hand and say "Hey, Sam, nice to meet you (their name)" with a smile, and usually my new acquaintance will give me a look of uncertainty and respond with some shy muttering of "hi" or "hey". I find that my humor is often lost on people I meet who are my age - I can't believe the number of times a fellow Millennial has responded to a humorous, bantering quip with a response that indicated they believed I was serious.

This all boils down to something I don't know how to diagnose or solve. I'm trying to figure out the magic key,... or the magic code,... for interacting seamlessly with people my age. I don't know what it is about me that gets in the way. I also don't know what it is that gets in the way of me having a normal social life and circle of friends. Most of my good friendships are kept up through Facebook. I don't know how to build a *local* social life, since it seems that if you're not already "in", then you're seen as the awkward guy out, and that leads to further alienation.

Anyway, there's the first chapter. I'd love to get to know more of you

Sam

Welcome Sam

I find aviation history very interesting.

Hi Sam. I have never heard of aviation history until this thread, though it sounds detailed. I am on the autism 'spectrum', and have a birth story you may find interesting. If you want to ask me something else, ask.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Sweet greetings to WPea!



Mick and Peahawk

Welcome to Wrong Planet, Sam!

Hey, I'm Manny, nice to meet you Sam