Alexithymia lite?

Post Reply New Topic

mebbe that is what happens to our cats when we scratch their jowl and around their ears and they're purrin' up a storm when all of a sudden they bite us, they too get overstimulated with good feels.

^
I've seen that behaviour, and it is one of the theories. Another one is that the cat sees it as legitimate play but doesn't understand that the owner has no protective fur - even in human society there's the friendly teasing and insulting that often goes on between friends, apparently associated with strong bonding. But I know of a dog who appears so overjoyed when a human arrives that she goes rather ape - not aggressive or intentionally destructive, but seemingly just overwhelmed by her own happiness, and it doesn't seem to do her any good. It's also pretty heart-rending and disruptive for the humans present. One remedy is simply to ignore her until you've been with her for a few minutes. That way she doesn't go ape at all, nor does she seem upset that she's been ignored, and after a little while it's possible to pet her quite normally. It seems that immediately reciprocating her initial effusive greeting is the thing that sends her over the top. I always feel mean about not returning an animal's friendly overtures, but she's an unusual animal.

if only we could have a peek under their hoods to see what their brains are really doing.

@ Da Zero

In the US we have products labeled "lite". Like 'lite beer". "Lite" is a deliberate misspelling of "light". So lite beer means low calorie, and less filling to drink, than normal beer. Lighter even in color.

So we Americans use 'lite' as joking slang. Aspergers could be said to be 'autism lite'.

So the OP is wondering aloud if there is 'alexithymia lite'. Which I suppose would be being in touch with some emotions but not others.

Last edited by naturalplastic on 27 Dec 2022, 6:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

^^^thank you for that elucidation.

Yr welcome.