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What’s the most “NT” way of starting a conversation?

Autismman

So today I made a conscious effort to start or try to start a bit of small talk between myself and a cashier. First of all they didn’t hear me which I thought was some sign I shouldn’t bother or did he hear me and was deliberately ignoring me? I am not sure. I ended up repeating myself by saying “busy today?” he replied with “not as busy as some weekends we have” fair enough answer. I made a comment on it being cooler in here and the outside is, it was a supermarket so they had air con luckily for them. I mean he didn’t seem that over the moon to be working at all so perhaps not the best start for my test but an experience anyway. I usually do not go out of my way to speak with others or start the conversation unless spoken to so I did plan what I was going to say but I will repeat this method perhaps with slightly different questions. I feel I need some scripts in my arsenal for different situations though. 

Parents

  • 'Hey', or some variant of such a remark, seems fairly standard. Though I find it difficult to process what is meant by it. When exclaimed, it can suggest either malice or genuine warmth, but it can be used deceptively to indicate warmth when malice is actually the aim. This then causes me to reflect upon paranoia, but there are several factors as to why I feel this way. Through the prism of possibly being autistic (which I don't rule out) the reason why I feel this way is something else to consider.

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  • 'Hey', or some variant of such a remark, seems fairly standard. Though I find it difficult to process what is meant by it. When exclaimed, it can suggest either malice or genuine warmth, but it can be used deceptively to indicate warmth when malice is actually the aim. This then causes me to reflect upon paranoia, but there are several factors as to why I feel this way. Through the prism of possibly being autistic (which I don't rule out) the reason why I feel this way is something else to consider.

Children
  • in reply to mr.chip
    mr.chip said:
    'Hey', or some variant of such a remark, seems fairly standard. Though I find it difficult to process what is meant by it

    I think if the word was just “hey” followed by silence then you have to quickly fill that gap with something more meaningful or fear appearing awkward and unprepared for the interaction. I do wonder if someone requesting an interaction can feel invasive when it’s unexpected? Perhaps you’d rather be left alone and fear others wish to disturb your peace? Or burst the comfort bubble.