Difficulty in interpreting social situation

So i was asleep on the bus today, its my way of dealing with the anxiety ive had and get when surrounded by strangers...i dont allways do it but it helps me cope when i get anxious.

Two guys i know who i didnt realise were on the bus come up to me and one slaps me on the arm, not violently but enough to jolt me awake.

It was a guy who used to be a friend but after he was nasty to me repeatedly i decided i could do better. At the time i interpreted it as a being silly just surprising me for a joke. 

But the way they responded after i said "oh hi" (walking off sniggering) makes me think they were just trying to *** with me. I wasnt too bothered at the time, but i dont know why part of me now thinks i should of reacted more agressively as if i misinterpreted the situation and didnt react appropriately to it.

I find it very confusing with these kinds of situations as most of the signals are subtle and  not clear to me. Which makes me later on doubt my interpretation of it. Even so is there anything wrong woth reacting and calmly or just saying.."piss off" Without loosing my calm? 

i need a spcial rulebook lol

Parents
  • Hi Arkx6, I understand you confusion and have had similar experiences, telling if people are joking, being serious or being sarcastic is a nightmare and on the occasions I've asked people I have been left feeling stupid. That being said I think you response of being polite was the right one. If they are being unkind whilst this is unnoying and unpleasant it would seem you were right you can do better and coming down to there level I would have thought would make things worse. I'm sorry. For your experience and hope it doesn't play on your mind to much.

Reply
  • Hi Arkx6, I understand you confusion and have had similar experiences, telling if people are joking, being serious or being sarcastic is a nightmare and on the occasions I've asked people I have been left feeling stupid. That being said I think you response of being polite was the right one. If they are being unkind whilst this is unnoying and unpleasant it would seem you were right you can do better and coming down to there level I would have thought would make things worse. I'm sorry. For your experience and hope it doesn't play on your mind to much.

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