I am in my 7th decade and have generally felt alone most of my life. Your message made me reflect upon the nature of my loneliness.
Firstly, I generally feel alone surrounded by lots of people, crowds, audiences, etc. because I not connected to them in any way. But, I can also feel very lonely in a 1 to 1 situation; even with partners at times. This is because I am too connected to them and I switch off to be alone.
Secondly, I often choose complete isolation from others to pursue hobbies whilst listening to music or audio books. This is chosen loneliness when I can genuinely relax and feel comfortable in my own skin. I have done this all my life.
Thirdly, this website was mentioned in the information I was given following my recent autism assessment . This has been a big boost to my very low level of being in touch with other people. I like it because I can decide whether and how I want to respond to others. Also, people are as similar to me as I am ever going to find. So, I am certainly not as lonely as I used to be.
I hope you will benefit from being here and perhaps feel little less lonely too.
Thank you Oscar , I feel you are very similar to me, I’ve always felt like an alien and spend a lot of my time in my workshop with a radio for company. It’s hard to explain that I’m not antisocial, it’s just how I regulate myself. My diagnosis was only last year, I’m fed up with being told that I’ve given up. I used alcohol for decades to try and control autism, this week I will get to 900 days alcohol free, I’m happier in my self but many don’t understand the different me.
Well done for getting to 900 days. That's a huge achievement. Im glad you feel that for youself it has been a positive step and you recognise that your happier. Unfortunately it's really hard when others don't like to see the change even though its been a change for the better for you. Some people just want you to stay in the way that they are used to or a way that maybe benefits them.
Well done for getting to 900 days. That's a huge achievement. Im glad you feel that for youself it has been a positive step and you recognise that your happier. Unfortunately it's really hard when others don't like to see the change even though its been a change for the better for you. Some people just want you to stay in the way that they are used to or a way that maybe benefits them.
You will lose people along the way, quality far outweighs quantity. I still mask around most people, it’s just easier. It does use up a lot of energy though . I understand your concerns with telling people, you sort of workout who’s worth telling. family have been the least receptive, they think they know you. It is like opening Pandora’s box, once it’s been opened, it can’t be closed.
My view is very much that I am autistic, not a mass murderer, if they don’t like it then go away.
