Why does autism make it impossible to say "I love you"

Post Reply New Topic

I'm 19 and never once told my parents I love them. The idea of it feels like this: youtube.com/watch?v=TMWR7V_1KdA

It doesn't.

Solely because the definition for some of us involves willingness to have sex.

I'd say it has to do with difficulty reading social situations. Saying "I Love You" is a risky thing. If you say it at the wrong time, it can result in things being very awkward. If you don't say it, there's basically no consequence.

I think it's harder for people with ASD to know when it's appropriate to say it, so we never say it at all (or more rarely than NTs anyway).

It's also a "thing" or stereotype for autistic kids to never tell their parents "I love you" or write mothers day cards, etc

I don't think I've ever said "I love you" to my parents. I have in written form, but not verbally.

It was tge wag i was brought up. We don't say "I love you" in my family. Stiff upper lip Englishness. I don't think it is to do with autism.

It’s not a thing I’ve ever felt particularly comfortable saying to anybody either, and not because I don’t, because I do. Maybe the word just doesn’t equate with the actual emotion? I tell people that I esteem them. Somehow that feels slightly less absurd. Probably not for them...

My guess is because;

- We're very introverted (some of us, anyway)
- We don't like to take risks (like SplendidSnail said)
- We operate logically externally, and emotionally internally
- We can be embarrassed easily
- We're sensitive to the response
- We're very literal ("I love you" to parents may be inwardly seen as something else)
- Commitments are hard

It doesn't for me. Stop making assumptions about everyone with AS acting the same way.

It was hard for me to tell my Parents I loved them when I was growing up. It felt awkward and uncomfortable.

With that said, I have no problem telling my wife and kids that I love them. I do have a fear that love to me is different than what love is to them.

It was easier when I was a child to tell my parents but it got harder and harder as I got older.

I was able to tell my parents that I love them as a child and a teenager. Once I had my first breakdown 20 years ago, it got harder every year. I remember trying to tell my mum that I loved her one time in the summer of 1998 after I thought she was going to take my red white and blue "livelihood" away from me. She told me that if I couldn't say it than don't bother. The last time I told her that I love her was the Christmas of 2015. The last time I told my dad that I loved him was in 2000. It's hard to say those words, knowing that their love towards me is conditional.

For me, the same as what makes eye contact, touch, etc. uncomfortable.

Autism does NOT make it impossible to say "I love you".

<--- Needs a gun pointed to this throat before he says that to anyone.