What did you do today to look less autistic?

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I had a conversation with my apartment manager about moving out, and I think I said all the right things, and nothing else.

The harder I try, the more autistic I look

Today, I have paid attention not to say weird jokes. I also put on earplugs in the bus to help me relax, really helpful

I smiled and took the plastic flatware when communication failed.

I walked through a group of youths that were standing outside 7-Eleven instead of walking around one of their umbrellas into the grass.

Usually, I go to the shop on Saturdays, I buy always the same stuff (I go very quick & without looking at products).
Afterwards, I come back and cook always the same mix in a big pot, the same for the whole week. I am used to eat standing in the kitchen.

Today, I went to the shop, took my time, forced myself to look at lot of products, try to imagine the taste, imagine if I would like it. I bought some different products.

I came back and cooked a nice meal for today (chou vert effilé à la sauce raifort, patates roties aux échalottes et cordon bleu).

I ate on the table with a fork and a knife (still need training ) and a nice glass of wine.

Mmmh, delicious.

I went to visit someone I know today who has lost a loved on in death. I felt anxious about it because I didn't really know if she'd want me there. I felt anxious because I didn't know what to say. But I made myself do it because no matter how awkward I felt I had the feeling that going and just being a listening ear was better than not going and having her think that I don't care at all.

Small talk is so hard for me, but I push myself to do it for the sake of other people.

Well done^ I also find that very difficult

Today was meeting different people, changing places, noise and light flashes... hard day.

I'm quite happy I could cope with and actively manage it in a socially acceptable way, even if far from perfect. I think my "coping system" is back on the way. Yehah! (It had been in a sleeping mode for some time for some reason.)

I have kept in mind all the time that I was in social situations despite noise and flashy lightning.

I even proposed an activity to a someone. (What I rarely do)

I always take a backpack to go to work, with my computer and my big book in it (to study during lunchtime and in the bus). You look weird when you come to work with a backpack and everybody else with a light handbag.

So today I have switched the backpack against a handbag (just large enough to carry the computer and the book). Less handy but looks more "normal".

I tried really hard to find the right level of annoyance to convey to customer service people, but it only lasted until they acted indifferent and started making excuses. Even then, I only let a little of my inner freakout leak through, I think.

I went and got some food, and I feel better, even though I kind of had to force myself to eat enough. I think I came across as reasonably normal when I was buying the food, even though I still had waves of irritation crashing against my face.

Interesting question.

Basically just: did not automatically "run and hide" when coworkers start to converse with me. Try to keep bonding with individuals who seem to wanna bond with me. It was kinda an interesting emotionally upbeat work day. Hard to explain.