Not sure what to do

Hi today I went to my local autism hub it’s a place I go to most Saturdays and I socialise with people play games or just chat with other autistic people. Today someone turned up someone I’ve not seen in years. I was not pleased to see this person as a few years ago this person made my life hell. This person used to be physically abusive towards me and stole money from me and I cut them off completely from my life. People noticed my cold response to this person and I couldn’t explain why I was so rude not with the person that abused me in the room. I know you shouldn’t hold grudges but I feel I can’t trust this person. I want to keep going to the hub as I enjoy it the staff members love me and my sense of humour but I don’t know how to manage with the let’s say newest member there. 

Parents
  • This person used to be physically abusive towards me and stole money from me

    Oh, what a shock to encounter that unexpected person from a few years ago at your local autism hub today.

    As you have experienced physical abuse and theft (those are both serious situations) due to that person before you cut them off completely; is there an hub staff member who you could contact and let them know why you were so uncomfortable when that person from your past turned up today? 

    I don't think the staff who love you and your sense of humour at the hub - would like to think of you feeling put-off about how you feel attending the hub from today.

    You mentioned people noticed your cold response - maybe staff members might also be concerned about that as well.  They could be wondering about the most tactful way to check with you that everything is OK with you at the moment.

  • After I left I text my friend who was also there today to tell him. He understood why I was so cold then and I couldn’t speak to the staff members with that person in the room. I’m hoping that if I arrive early next week I’ll get a chance to speak with the person who is in charge of the hub. She was away today but should be back next week. At least if anything does happen they will be aware of our past. The worst thing was this person was looking at me all the time trying to recognise me which I think they did manage to especially when someone said are you ok Rachel? 

  • I am pleased you were able to tell your friend about it by text - it is good that someone else knows why you found it difficult today.

    Hoping that you do also get a chance to speak with the person who is in charge of the hub by you arriving a bit early at the hub next week. 

    Do you think that maybe the friend you texted about today might be able to be there a bit early too next week - as a friendly person to be with you (just in case the person in charge isn't there at the hub when you arrive a bit early?).

    The challenge, in the meantime, for this weekend and next week; is to find some ways to give yourself something else to think about / have some fun enjoying.  Can you think of some things like that?

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  • I am pleased you were able to tell your friend about it by text - it is good that someone else knows why you found it difficult today.

    Hoping that you do also get a chance to speak with the person who is in charge of the hub by you arriving a bit early at the hub next week. 

    Do you think that maybe the friend you texted about today might be able to be there a bit early too next week - as a friendly person to be with you (just in case the person in charge isn't there at the hub when you arrive a bit early?).

    The challenge, in the meantime, for this weekend and next week; is to find some ways to give yourself something else to think about / have some fun enjoying.  Can you think of some things like that?

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