Is anyone on the spectrum comfortable being out in crowds such as an event or maybe out shopping? If so, is your social discomfort only when you are one on one with someone or maybe with a couple of people when the situation requires conversation such as out to dinner, riding in a car, or maybe taking a walk with someone? Are there any other symptom that effect you when out socially?
I don't know what I am (no diagnosis, my biggest suspicion is Aspergers) but I'm actually perfectly happy with big crowds. I mean, they're annoying sometimes (Christmas shopping being the worst of the worst) but I'm comfortable with them - it means no one is concentrating on me, I'm just another human in a sea of humans and so ironically, get some nice "alone" time, do whatever I'm doing, take photos if it's a trip, that kind of thing. But I can see it bothering people who feel loneliness a lot.
Any situation where I feel there is too much attention and expectation on me is where I'd sometimes freeze up with like a type of stage fright. In many cases I'm good at putting it out of my mind, but for example if someone knows I can be quiet and is trying to "bring me out of my shell" that's probably the worst for me. That's usually the sort of thing that happens in smaller groups.
It is easier for me to talk face to face with someone vs. over the phone as I am good at reading body language and facial expressions. I used to frequently cut people off to talk or change the subject abruptly. This is not because I am rude or don't understand how to participate in a conversation but basically because I lose my thoughts so fast I cut someone off for fear of losing my thought but I do know this is inappropriate. The last few years I don't catch myself doing that as much. I also have much less interaction with people as my limited social connections have severely declined in last 3-4 years.
I have no discomfort being in crowds and enjoy that energy. I have what is best described as - limited ability to maintain conversation which causes me to be thought f as boring. My only sensory issues are taste/texture so am a fussy eater. I also can't wear any fabric with any amount of wool in it. That will always feel scratchy. Maybe is a touch sensitivity.
I don't mind being in public as long as people aren't crowded around me. Crowds, loud noise/music I can't handle much. As for shopping I prefer Amazon for most things. I do like thrift store shopping sometimes, but they aren't crowded ever. Even when the kids school shopping comes up, I do it in the summer time so I miss the crowds. I still get a bargain as I like to go during 4th of July weekend, I get the sales without the people.
As far as conversation goes, I'm okay with family and close friends, but cannot seem to figure out how to keep a conversation going with someone I don't know. Also, It's a struggle to figure out when it's my turn to talk in person and on the phone (especially on the phone). I get really mad at myself because I really am interested in what the other person has to say.
While not in crowds, I can get really uncomfortable when I'm out shopping with family going around jewellery stores or clothing stores. I do not have any real interest in these and being unable to easily leave makes me very anxious.
In general, I'm okay around people that I am familiar with and comfortable around, such as longterm friends and my partner.
Normally I get quite anxious and agitated in big crowds if I'm in shops etc. and especially when it's really busy. That, in combination with it being extremely noisy, I also get really uncomfortable.
Sometimes I can be out with my partner who I'm extremely comfortable around and still feel anxious in crowds and public places, again especially when it is busy and loud.
I'm normally more comfortable with one-to-one conversations and with people I know, however with people I don't know I struggle with conversation as I never know when to speak or what to speak about and I worry I'm boring them to death or not interesting enough because I can never tell if someone is bored of me etc.
