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Re: CHAT: OT CHAT: Asperger's syndrome

From:Barry Garcia <barry_garcia@...>
Date:Friday, June 23, 2000, 0:29
CONLANG@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU writes:
>> And I find >> it much easier to make friends on the Internet than in real >> life - social interactions are just far too _dynamic_. > >That's me, too. But it's not so much the "dynamic" quality, as I have >no problem with real-time chatting, as a reluctance to *speak*. I often >find myself replying to a person in my head, but not being able to put >it in my mouth, so to speak.
My problem is that I used to be extremely shy as a child. My mom remembers me hiding when ever someone came to the door. It has taken me 21 years ;). To get to the point where i'm at now, and I still get nervous when going to parties for friends, when there's people I dont know that are going to be there. I also like going to chatrooms to talk to people. The shyness doesnt come through and the person i would be if I were not shy shines through (people who have met me from chatrooms say i'm quieter in real life, which is true). I think now, i've come out of my shell and I do try to not be so self conscious about things (something that was a big change for me was getting my haircut in a new way, it actually made me feel better about myself and less self conscious).
> > >> And put me in a room with lots of people talking to >> each other all over the place and I just gotta escape. >> Sensory overload has all sorts of nasty effects on my brain, >> and all I can do is withdraw into a corner. > >I'm that way with strangers, but usually pretty comfortable with >friends, at least for a while. After a couple of hours or so, tho, I >need space.
When i'm in a situation with strangers, I have to observe for a while to test the waters, so to speak. I can stay for a long time at parties and social functions, but I tend to stick with friends, because i have to get to know people more before i feel i can get in there and talk with them. It's a lot easier if they start up a conversation with me, because then i feel a connection. I think this has more to do with being afraid i'll say the wrong thing, or they wont want to talk to me. But, i can start up a conversation with a stranger if they seem pleasant, and we've at least exchanged hellos. _________________________________________________________ This ain't a yes, this ain't a no, just do your thang, we'll see how it goes