Hi from NZ

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Hey thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge on this website.

A quick intro I'm a late 40's guy with a recent late ASD diagnosis so eating up all of the info I can find on sites, youtube and in books. The diag is one of the things that has made most sense in my life so far having tried so hard to fit in and trying to be NT'like for so long. It explains why I get burnt out or have been rejected in social, neighbour and work situations especially when there are people skills required that I often trip up on despite best intentions.

The tidal anxiety continues post diagnosis but at least I'm starting to understand why it's happening and that I'm not the only one which is a major relief and has reduced my inner anger As other folk have said the diagnosis is a big relief but also a bit scary in that there's no magic solution to my daily challenges and sensitivities however it seems that acceptance and adjustment to work with my new found self awareness is the most important thing that can be done.

Based here in Auckland, New Zealand which is now into summer I haven't really found my tribe (yet), am introverted, have only a few friends. I don't organise social events myself but occasionally am invited to tag along with other groups which I appreciate as acceptance. I am usually the listener at the table as my exec function and verbal communication lock-up in these situations more often than not LOL. Anyway I should stop here today and will try to join in with the community threads maybe with some questions over time and hope that 2023 has promise for everyone here.

Welcome to WP! And I hope 2023 is good for you, as well!

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

kwone, Welcome to Wrong Planet. It can sometimes take awhile for us to figure things out. I didn't realize I was an Aspie until around age 70.

So what advice can I give you.

First, there are many people who have some traits similar to yours. About 50% of the people in the world are introverts and the other 50% are extroverts. Extroverts love parties. Get a group of extroverts together and they talk and talk and talk at a hundred miles an hour and they recharge their batteries. Introverts are different. They need some alone time. They recharge their bodies when they are alone.

No it is important to have friends but an introvert doesn't need a whole lot. Just one or two friends, true friends are good.

So one approach for an introvert to find a friend is to go where other introvert are. They are not party people. They like small crowds. They do exist. But you have to do a deep search to find them. Sometimes I meet someone and start a discussion. They talk and talk and talk to me for hours on end sharing information freely. And they speak true. One on one discussions.