Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I told a friend this afternoon about my recent revelation of being autistic. I've known her for years, and I thought she'd be supportive, but she wasn't at all. She questioned why I'd want to have a label. And she also said "well we are all on the spectrum to a degree". I felt she was being distant, and almost dismissive. I tried to explain how this revelation has been positive and is very freeing for me. Our phone conversation has upset me. And I wonder if it's time to move on from this friendship. This isn't the first time she upset me in recent months.
Has anyone else had this experience? I'd like to hear your views.
The person I thought would have had the most understanding reaction turned out to be the opposite. I don't hold it against him and he's still a great friend. He does have "foot in mouth" disease anyway. Most people I've told haven't been bothered. It makes sense because they are not able to understand what it's like or to have the realisation of something so fundamental. While it's nice for people around us to be aware of an explanation for certain things, it doesn't mean we need to be validated by them.
out_of_step said:While it's nice for people around us to be aware of an explanation for certain things, it doesn't mean we need to be validated by them
I need to remember that. Thank you.