How do you deal with accidentally being rude/weird

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lvpin
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22 Nov 2019, 9:37 pm

Hello again. I think it has probably become clear for those of you who have seen any of my previous threads that nearly all my social interactions go through my friends who can analyse what happened as, despite being in a welcoming supportive college, I am still too afraid to tell people when I have difficulties because sadly, a little part of me is still embarrassed. I am very good at recording all the details (if only I was like that with my courses) but very bad at understanding them. I have been told by my friend that despite trying not to I am probably ignoring someone again. I thought saying hi was enough but apparently someone looking in your direction repeatedly means they probably wanted to talk. I had my suspicions but didn't trust this judgement and am now cringing at the fact that I am still being uncomfortable and apparently sitting in near silence next to someone for 20 minutes is not normal and is probably awkward. I don't quite know what to do now or if me possibly continuing to make all these mistakes will lead to resentment or something. How am I supposed to deal with this? (This next question is somewhat ironic given my next paragraph) Do I just explain I don't get social cues so should I be leaving you alone or talking to you because you have to tell me? Will I seem rude if I don't?

My other big issue is being too direct/blunt which can be good sometimes but I think maybe it makes people uncomfortable? For example today one of my friends was telling me about how awkward this guy was who we both know but you wouldn't guess it. I then said I also had a similar experience but maybe you wouldn't guess it because he is often around people that are attracted to him which caught her by surprise. I then said that I could noticed that and pointed out the fact girls tend to crowd around him, the things I hear from people etc. She then started looking amused and I questioned her if I had been too blunt and she said yes. Another example would be me telling my friends we should hang out over the holiday because "that is what people do at the next level of their friendship". Both times there was some laughter and my guess (which could be wrong) is perhaps this was temporary discomfort caused by shock. Is this worth changing or at least limiting as not to weird people out? In some cases it can be useful, such as when everyone in the class is too embarrassed to explain something to the teacher. In other's not so much. A classmate I do not know well now knows I know how to talk about amputation in German because I thought that was appropriate. Oh to have true crime be a special interest.

I don't like the idea of me accidentally hurting people's feelings or making them uncomfortable but I don't know what I am supposed to do when that happens. How do you guys deal with this and what battles do you choose to fight because there are only so many things you can control with autism. I gave up most of my masking in order to have energy to study and even then, that is a struggle.



kraftiekortie
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23 Nov 2019, 10:37 am

I would make sure I listen to other people discuss their interests, while you discuss your various interests.

People value those who take the time to listen to them.



timf
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25 Nov 2019, 10:03 am

In a social environment there is going to be a give and take with conversation. If someone makes a contribution that is not acceptable, there can be a familiar awkward period as others do not know how to respond. The "window" for what is considered acceptable has narrowed considerably as society has become more homogenized. However, there are recovery options.

I once encountered a guy who had a deeply resonant speaking voice. I commented that he should get a job in radio. He mentioned that he had an offer from a local station, but he was hesitant because he was fearful he might say something that would be a mistake on live radio.

I said that everyone on radio blows it occasionally. The key was a quick recovery with some "throw away line".

1. Did I say that out loud.
2. Let me rewind.
3. Oops, I meant to say that at another venue.
4. It's odd, but I do well with tongue twisters, it's just regular talking that gives me problems.
5. I'm sorry, I haven't gotten used to these new dentures.
6. I can't understand how I lost that auctioneer job.
7. That's the problem when one of your multiple personalities won't be quiet.



lvpin
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25 Nov 2019, 7:50 pm

kraftiekortie wrote:
I would make sure I listen to other people discuss their interests, while you discuss your various interests.

People value those who take the time to listen to them.


That's an area I'm trying to work on as I seem to process people talking a little too slow and accidentally interrupt occasionally leading to loads of apologising. I am quite lucky that people realise it is an honest mistake and that I'm trying but I have to do better because it is very important.



lvpin
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25 Nov 2019, 7:52 pm

timf wrote:
In a social environment there is going to be a give and take with conversation. If someone makes a contribution that is not acceptable, there can be a familiar awkward period as others do not know how to respond. The "window" for what is considered acceptable has narrowed considerably as society has become more homogenized. However, there are recovery options.

I once encountered a guy who had a deeply resonant speaking voice. I commented that he should get a job in radio. He mentioned that he had an offer from a local station, but he was hesitant because he was fearful he might say something that would be a mistake on live radio.

I said that everyone on radio blows it occasionally. The key was a quick recovery with some "throw away line".

1. Did I say that out loud.
2. Let me rewind.
3. Oops, I meant to say that at another venue.
4. It's odd, but I do well with tongue twisters, it's just regular talking that gives me problems.
5. I'm sorry, I haven't gotten used to these new dentures.
6. I can't understand how I lost that auctioneer job.
7. That's the problem when one of your multiple personalities won't be quiet.


I'll try saying something more amusing like that as a recovery line because I currently just apologise for that being inappropriate which in all honesty, makes things worse.



Jakki
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27 Nov 2019, 10:27 am

lvpin wrote:
kraftiekortie wrote:
I would make sure I listen to other people discuss their interests, while you discuss your various interests.

People value those who take the time to listen to them.


That's an area I'm trying to work on as I seem to process people talking a little too slow and accidentally interrupt occasionally leading to loads of apologising. I am quite lucky that people realise it is an honest mistake and that I'm trying but I have to do better because it is very important.


Yeah yeah........ am pretty adept at NT mimicry . In a way that works in
Serious stuff .. in public. But have trouble keeping up the mask in extended convos that address . Factual info. ... not good at sugar coating or small talk
Am way too overly frank , especially on topics have researched .

Can pick up on my own nt fau paus , sometimes , but mostly seems to shut up has been helpful too. Love yo talk to people , and pay attention. But if you hold them to account for what they have said. Imperialistic attitudes . Will shut me down. If they are in a position of authority . They dont want to hear it.
So let them live in their own reality. Dont have the energy to engage in playing games . Here you go , " you prolly didnt want to hear this " or "did i say that outloud ", if i care for the company , i am in.


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