How do you pass as normal?

Post Reply New Topic

I am trying my hardest, but I think people still know that I am different from them because they treat me different than other people. (Almost like they feel sorry for me.)

How do you pass as normal? Let's try to make a list to help out other people like us who might need a little help.

I try to look at peoples' faces and not talk about the things I like and pretend I care about what they have to say, even if it is really boring. I just nod and say "yeah, I know how that goes" and things like that.

Heheheh. That's a pokemon.

I can't be normal if I tried. Can you tell?

*is still giggling at the pokemon reference*

You shouldn't compromise your uniqueness simply to fit in. It's not sincere, which is unfair, both for you AND the person you're pretending to listen to. I hate it when ppl act like they're interested in what I have to say, and then I later find out they couldn't care less. It upsets me. And so I don't think it's too good for other ppl either.

I do that.

I also read up on body language and try to do the correct movements.

I refuse, however, to make faces the way NT's do. I like the fact I haven't driven wrinkles into my face by making extreme facial expressions about nothing.

Great question.
Everybody is convinced I'm normal; despite much evidence to the contrary (including a formal diagnosis) my family insists I don't have AS.
So I must be good at "passing".

I...can be charming, which means I use my powerful skills of observation to see what kind of response a person is looking for
I...managed to get a college degree so am somewhat employable, if not for long
The most important thing is, learning to suppress my feelings so that people have no idea what's really going on in my head, and acting as if everything's okay.

So my suggestions would be to observe others, get educated and pretend you're something you're not. Great advice for anybody, really.

(Even I can't tell if this is tongue-in-cheek or not )

Yeah, I don't like it but sometimes I have to, to get along at work. I wouldn't do that with my friends, they get to know if I don't care about what they have to say.

Well that's ok. Co-workers suck, so go ahead

You reminded me of something that happened awhile back. Some NT I barely knew was telling me some story at work and I was trying my best to pay attention even though I found it boring. She suddenly laughed out loud and said "I just saw your eyes glaze over! I'd heard of it but I've never seen it before!". She thought it was hilarious. I guess we're really not good liars, at least not me

just smile and nod...seriously just smile and nod LOL.

I just keep to myself, and i try not to stim or let people know that im in overload frm the surroundings. I also dont talk much since my speech sucks. I pretty much go for the "wall flower" thing. But even though im a wall flower people pretty much know there's "something not quite right" with me.

I don't.

I find the best way to appear normal is to focus on the interests and concerns of other people. I read a lot and have a superficial knowledge of many subjects, so I can usually find something to relate to with most people. Unfortunately this is also the reason that I catch many people trying to peddle me BS, and I really have to bite my tongue to avoid correcting them.

It also helps if you can keep conversation light and have a good sense of humor, even if it is a little quirky.

These things being said, I still find it very taxing to be around people for more than a few hours.

Yeah, I'm pretty much the same way. I usually DO talk, but there have been times I just smile and nod.
I USUALLY speak fine but, when I am in overload.... FORGET IT!

Gee, you don't have anymore soccer pictures? They were nice. I even liked your tag line, even if it did sound a little nuts.

Normal? what IS normal?

Good Question!

I don't even try to pass as anything now.
I was bought up to observe all the social niceties and to look at people and listen to them when they are talking, but it is such a strain and it feels so liberating to carry on stimming, and to talk about what I want at times, and to just do my own thing.
If there is a normal, who the hell wants it?

It's pretty easy for me to pass as normal. I definitely look the part and I get complimented a ton on my outfits. I am also a social butterfly, so that probably helps as well! However, when I start going on and on about myself and my interests, or when I over-react to some idiot harrassing me, that's when I begin to scare people...

Normal is evil. And boring, for the most part. I'd much rather bounce down the street with my bright pink hair, my left hand's fingers clicking while my right is straight and rigid, while the clones of skin-heads and straightener-worshippers with the inch thick make-up stop and stare.