Published on 12, July, 2020
I’ve never known how to take a compliment. Whenever anyone says anything nice about me, no matter how minor, I just stare blankly, lost for words. I have no clue what to say. This happens even if it’s written in an email or on a forum like this.
Just a feature of my personality or something that is common for autistic people?
Well, I have thought on this, and now wonder, is it related to finding it difficult to react to the unexpected in the moment? Insufficient time to process unanticipated information.
I have often been lost for words in situations I wasn't anticipating - although of course, later, having analyzed the situation to death, I can think of many suitable responses!
I think my default reaction is “this nice thing they’re saying about me isn’t true, so are they just trying to be nice to me or are they up to something?”
And while I’m processing all that I just stand there lost for words.