I'm 42 and am awaiting a diagnosis for Aspergers however I'm pretty much certain it's just a formality as I appear to hit all the buttons for being an Aspie.
One of the main challenges I face countless times every day is how to deal with frustration and "stupidity" in people. Now the reason I've put that in inverted commas is because what I'm referring to is not necessarily them being stupid, in fact it whatever it is could be regarded as understandable. So I'm well aware that a lot (or even most) of the time it's ME with the problem and being reasonable. Unfortunately that's not how I think when I'm confronted by it.
One part of my job is to give out contact numbers over the phone and when I do I say the number in blocks of 3 or 4 digits, ie "0161 234 5678" which I feel is easier both for me to say and the caller to take down. But sometimes they'll get the numbers mixed up when they read it back even when I've done it like that. Now obviously the line might be bad their end, they could be distracted or even have a similar condition that makes it difficult to absorb numbers.
But when it happens, none of that matters to me. I just feel they're stupid for not being able to get it right, and that often comes across in my tone.
Now of course they're certainly NOT stupid, this is MY problem not theirs. I've used my job as an example (and trust me, I'm fully aware that's not a good way to speak to people at work) but that sort of frustration towards others manifests in all areas of my life.
I've read lots of advice online that says things to try pausing or taking a deep breath before replying etc but this urge hits me before ideas of anything else.
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how to deal with this? I need to stamp this out urgently.
05 Aug 2016, 7:04 am
