Ambivalent feelings about this forum

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I am relatively new both to this forum and the idea of AS characterising, well, me.

On the one hand I recognise in myself a lot of the both the style and content of what is being said in this place. In that, I feel quite at ease here, quite comfortable, and quite encouraged to express myself and reach out to others.

On the other hand, and I don't know if this is just due to my current particular circumstances and general outlook, I feel, reading and posting here, somewhat empty and lacking in some way.

I think part of this is actually due to the adverts on this site. I don't know about you, but I persistently have in my field of vision when here: a monochrome sketch of some fat woman. an old/young woman peeling skin off her face, and a dying African child.

But I think it is more than this, although I can't quite put my finger on what. Is it that there is an absence of emotional connection between the participants here, unapologetic self-centredness, and too much logic? I recognise such a description as corresponding to my own writing here.

Am I just struggling to adapt from my other realities where, while problematic for me in many ways, there does at seem to be feelings that things matter?

Perhaps I am having something of a crisis of identity, i.e. elsewhere I am the slightly odd one and in particular ways and in so being I am able occupy and often monopolize that niche? On this forum, am I, rather, a little fish in a big pool of lots of other little fish who are very similar to me? So, while I like that there is a lot of like-mindedness, that same like-mindedness perhaps makes me feel less special or less identifiable generally.

How do I distinguish myself here? Is anyone interested, anyway?

What do you think or feel about this?

Post a little about your special interests, find a personal image to use as an avatar, make threads about your beliefs and things that are going on in your life and post in your favourite sections.

Firstly, try adblock plus. I can't bear adverts, but if you install this then you won't see any on Wrong Planet.

Secondly, yes, this site is quite large, with lots of new members every day, and it can be difficult to find people you connect with. It took me several months here before I found a few people I could relate to and bond with.

CockneyRebel's advice is good. Starting threads about topics that interest you is a good way to find others who share similar concerns or interests as you. I think reading lots of posts, looking out for people who say things that interest you in some way, or threads that reflect your special interests, and trying to engage them is another way forward. Talk to people about their interests, aspies are generally happy to do that.

If you want to be unique, I think a way to do that is to form unique relationships with people here. Try to see individual personalities among the masses.

There are a lot of people here, and many more are joining everyday. It's a bit overwhelming.

Everyone here is different though. Different interests, talents, outlooks on life... and not everyone is autistic either. There's a great variety of people on these forums.

Express yourself!

Okay, thanks for the tips! I feel more encouraged already.

Is wondering why the name "Saturn" is just now used.

I still feel the same way as you and I have been here for two months.

Sometimes this place does lack emotion and has too much logic.
I understand that some aspies lack empathy and are not very emotional but that hurts those who are sometimes.
I have tried to post thread about my interests. Unfortunately many of them are in the political/philosophy/religion forum and I don't enjoy controversy.

It feels like I have made more enemies than friends here. I would like to PM a couple of people but social anxiety prevents that.

[quote="Saturn

I've not been here long and I think it helps if you join in a bit.

Dear Saturn, I have only been here 4 months and have found that there is so MUCH here...myriad interests and hobbies, many countries represented, remarkable age range, believe me, you've probably only seen the tip of the iceberg. If you are up for some deeper emotional interaction, read posts on The Haven, that may be what you are looking for at this point. Please know that you will be welcomed anywhere in WP, this is a support and resource COMMUNITY, and like any neighborhood, it takes a bit of time to know each other....Sylkat

Some of the younger people, not all of them think that Mick Avory of The Kinks is getting in the way of their getting to know them. That's not the case at all. Mick Avory is a part of who I am and in reality, him and I are alike in many ways. Some people don't understand that so they pick on me. The types of youngsters who don't care for any aspect of the 60s or understand the time. There is not a typical looking female with attitude trapped inside of my exterior. What you see is what you get.

I also feel that I'm outnumbered by atheists and left wing liberals.