I have found it takes enormous effort to find enjoyment in things most people naturally seem to thrive on: namely, things involving other people i.e. social gatherings, talking on the phone, etc.
I get pleasure from SUCCESSFULLY connecting with people, but "successfully connecting" never happens without exerting a great deal of energy trying very hard not to inadvertently annoy and anger people, which is exhausting, and rarely 100% effective no matter how hard I try.
I have not found much pleasure in physical activities and sports, like many people seem to. I am generally uncoordinated and often too tired or disorganized enough to feel motivated spending my spare time exercising, training for 5K's, etc.
I find pleasure in reading and learning new things, snuggling with animals (especially cats), eating delicious food, finding great deals when shopping (which I usually do by myself), and things like that...
The theme? Things that don't depend on the presence of other people are my most reliable sources of pleasure. One exception: my children...can't imagine life without these 2 amazing creatures!
Most days, I am just happy to make it through a 24-hour period without a major social faux pas or embarrassing gaffe. That's usually happiness enough for me!
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"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas." Marie Curie
ASD: Officially diagnosed.
Last edited by capri0112 on 30 Mar 2014, 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.