What did you do today to look less autistic?

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Tonight, I was walking, exercising "presence": feeling my feet on the floor, conscious of my body, feel and hear my breath, walk relax and feel the energy in my body.

I was not sure at all how I was coming out... and a guy in the queue at the shop told me "You are a flourished / fulfilled (not sure of English word) woman." So that's how I was coming out

Btw, I find it such a nice way to approach a woman.

Today my company was moving to new offices, quite a challenge for me. I was feeling bad, I was angry, I was afraid, feeling unable to adapt, started to complain aggressively, then started to cry, all in one hour.

But finally I could make the move to a positive mind, I could concentrate on my work, see things positively (and it is indeed), even chat with colleagues, even speak about a project to a colleague.

I'm happy I could overcome the first very bad start and end the day smiling

I paid attention to the pace of others.

It seems to have improved the flow of information, in addition to feeling good. Quirky becomes more palatable at a comfortable rhythm, maybe.

Very nice, I remember I have read it in a sociology book that if you take the rhythm of the other person (speech, movements), you are already half friends and it improves a lot communication.

I will train as well.

Today I understood (a little too late, but still) that when someone asks "What do you do for lunch?"
It doesn't mean they want to know what you do, it's an indirect invite. I feel a bit stupid cause I had always understood it literally..., giving literal answer. I resolved to use this nice sentence to invite a person for lunch soon.

Also, I am used to make jokes all the time (sometimes sarcarstic); in order to avoid discussion as it is difficult for me to have a "normal" discussion. So today, I also paid attention not to make too many jokes and speak kindly instead. Far from perfect, but I could control this a little and it makes me happy

I joked with a group of guys at the bar in the grocery store. Yeah, that's a thing now. I admit I freaking love it. Fred Myers is a huge everything store, just smaller. On my first visit, I was on the verge of shutting down after just selecting a couple of housewares and mapping that section. Running on fumes.

Then, I see a row of taps. A craft beer bar in the store with a great price on growler fills or pints! One midafternoon pint, and the shopping stress evaporated. Perishables are just on the other side, and it was easier to focus and buy more fresh produce, which I find challenging for some reason.

So I want make a good impression there every time, feel comfortable there, and have a hope that I no longer need to dread the weekly shopping trip!

I felt a little anxious today, but saw a chance for a good joke at no one's expense and it went well which relaxed me. I didn't even have a beer today; it did enough to calm me to know that I could.

Today I asked a colleague if she is happy with the move, if it takes less time for her to come, etc. She is not a very engaging person, but I showed interest in how she feels, which I rarely do.

I also sent 2 sms to say just "Hello, how are you? and take some news."

Today there was a party at work, it was hell, loud music and socializing during hours. I was feeling very uncomfortable but still I made the effort to speak to a lot of people going from one group to the other. I'm dead tired but I did it.

I showed my interest in the things and lives of others.

I really want people to know how much effort we put into this stuff. However, I don't want to tell them and it might come off as self-pitying.

When I make it look easy, it merely qualifies as normal.

I relate so much to this. Every word.

Nothing, I'll be whoever I want to be, I don't care if others judge.

That's what I tend to think as well. That is typically what all autistic people think.

Today I did nothing more than usual, i was exhausted, just rested good and concentrated not to destroy the good result of my efforts, with a stupid joke or so .

Today I went to a café and spoke with someone, showed interest, asked questions, tried to look relaxed.

Oddly, kept to myself.

I guess that deserves a little clarification. I'm doing nothing right lately with one housemate. I've now or less concluded that I can't just act natural without getting an annoyed response, and I can't completely go along with his rhythm without getting annoyed myself. On the one hand, we're dear friends inside the circle of trust, living together and planning to further intertwine our lives. On the other hand, I get a different impression from his responses, like I'm a threat, an annoyance, an obstacle. Since this makes little sense to me on the surface, there must be more involved. So I need to give him space to deal with that. On the gripping hand, if my consideration causes annoyance, I'll happily go through my usual routine and not ask for the information I need to show consideration, but that has to be enough. I won't pester someone to let me do them a favor, but they can't then resent me backing off.

maybe because "there is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." ;o)