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seaweasel
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29 Jan 2010, 10:43 pm

Hello
I just started my first week back in college and so far its going great, The problem . I have a real hard time trying to talk to people. I dont know what to say. Anyone have any advice?



aspiegirl2
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29 Jan 2010, 10:54 pm

I joined a sports team at my college (the cross country and track teams). This has been an excellent investment of my time because not only am I staying in shape but I've made a lot of friends while doing so. I wasn't very social to begin with either, but I found more people that were supported in college. My recommendation for you is to find something that you're really interested in and find a group on campus (or make your own group). This could help you not only find friends but also find other people that like some of the same things that you do. You don't have to be in a sport to make friends, it's just something that I really like to do. It's also good to just take a small step out of your comfort zone and just interact with people. The more you interact, the more people will want to be with you. If you just stay in your room all the time, then people may not think that you want to socialize, and thus leaving you feel isolated. Another invaluable resource may be your college's counseling center. Most counseling centers at colleges and universities are free to students. The professionals there are trained to help people with these issues, and it may be useful to hear it from a therapist who knows a little something about Asperger's. All of these points have helped me immensely so far in my college adventures. It's not impossible for you to make friends. Some people think it is, but it's not; it's just hard for some people, especially us aspies.


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I'm 24 years old and live in WA State. I was diagnosed with Asperger's at 9. I received a BS in Psychology in 2011 and I intend to help people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, either through research, application, or both. On the ?Pursuit of Aspieness?.


Peko
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30 Jan 2010, 12:32 am

Join a club filled w/ eccentric nerds... worked for me :D

Ideas:

Anime club (me)
Medieval Renaissance club (me)
D&D club
Trading card club
Techno music club
Science club(s)
LGBTQ


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Balance is needed within the universe, can be demonstrated in most/all concepts/things. Black/White, Good/Evil, etc.
All dependent upon your own perspective in your own form of existence, so trust your own gut and live the way YOU want/need to.


Roxas_XIII
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30 Jan 2010, 1:48 am

Making friends in college is hard. Back in high school everyone kind of knew everyone else, everyone was from the same area and the population was small enough so that at least people knew who you were even if you weren't popular. College is a whole different bowl of cereal; it is impossible for everyone to know you unless you're on the collegiate football or basketball team.

The way I counter college anonymity? Campus Activities. I'm involved in three clubs (Anime, Advocates for Achievement, and Active Minds against Stigma), one club sport (Fencing), and I regularly attend campus events such as the Friday Night Fever events (concerts, talent shows, live comedy, mentalists... the list is almost infinite). I don't know everyone, but I have a good set of friends. Everyone in Anime Club has obsessive otakudom in common, and I became an officer in Active Minds after designing their website, now I am their go-to guy for web development. My friend Kim in Anime Club was the one who invited me to join the fencing team. I see people that I know here and there around campus, mostly because I am involved in a lot of things. Just try not to get over-involved. Social life is important, but takes a backseat to education.


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Happy New Year from WP's resident fortune-teller! May the cards be ever in your favor.


ilivinamushroom
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30 Jan 2010, 2:36 am

I have come to the conclusion that the best I can hope for is allies, higher social interaction is just distracting. I strive to be very polite and helpful to classmates but don't think putting energy into making "friends" is beneficial to my education, this is working so far.



rainbowbutterfly
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30 Jan 2010, 3:01 am

Before entering college, I saw a psychologist that gave me advice on how to meet friends. In pychotherapy I changed my thinking by being more optimistic. This helped me with my confidence, which in turn, made it easier for me to meet people. In addition to attending campus events, clubs, and meetings, I got into the habit of saying whatever was on my mind when being around people. Before, I would overthink or overanalyze in social situations. Also, in college I managed to gain the courage to invite people to my dorm.



VincentVanJones
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30 Jan 2010, 1:49 pm

I started college 3 weeks ago. I have had very little trouble being social. Most people are not my type though.