Hey, saw this community and that it was nearly empty so wanted to add a little about myself to break the ice.

I’m high-functioning according to scientific terms, but man it’s a struggle every day. I am very socially inept in most situations, I’ve become a kind of hermit. But that’s fine with me because ai have my wife and son and that’s all I need.

I also have ADD and Bipolar Disorder, and although not specifically diagnosed, i wonder about ASPD and AVPD as well. To top it all off, I also have constant brain fog with short moments of clarity, and aphantasia.

Yes this all really sucks, but it’s not all bad. I have a supporting wife, and awesome (and crazy) son who is just like me… Which makes me upset about what he may go through in life, but also glad because I can give hime real, understanding support he won’t get from most people.

I spent 8 years as a carpenter (retail before, but couldn’t keep it up due to the customer contact.) And I am now a certified web developer and continually learning.

I didn’t grow up with medication, or support, but I wish I did. I got on meds late, and honestly I could be so much farther ahead now if I had them sooner.

Anyway that’s all I’ve got, I don’t know how to exit social situations so yeah. The end. See ya!

  •  neamhsplach   ( @neamhsplach@beehaw.org ) English
    6•1 year ago

    Hi reric!

    I don’t know how to exit social situations

    I feel you on this one. I sat down for a chat with my neighbour the other day (they invited me in after I dropped something over) and had NO idea how to long to stay or if I was bothering them. I would stay forever if I didn’t constantly remind myself not to stay for too long. Eeek.

    Anyway nice to meet you!

    •  reric88🧩   ( @reric88@beehaw.org ) OPEnglish
      4•1 year ago

      Same!

      I usually set a time limit when I am going somewhere for that reason. I just let them know I can stay for 5 minutes, 30, an hour etc. I can’t small talk, it gets awkward fast. It doesn’t have to be awkward though, it’s like that scene in Pulp Fiction:

      Don’t you hate that? Uncomfortable silences. Why do we feel it’s necessary to yak about bull in order to be comfortable? That’s when you know you’ve found somebody special. When you can just shut the f up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.

  •  DJDarren   ( @DJDarren@beehaw.org ) English
    6•1 year ago

    I don’t know how to exit social situations

    I like the idea of you just saying the thing you wanted to say, then abruptly turning around and walking out of the room.

    Howdy!

    Carpenter to web dev, eh? Sounds a little like my welder to quality management journey. Turns out that I much prefer a clean, quiet office job.