I am a 29 year old neurotypical male. I have met and become friends with someone who clearly has some sort of diability or cognitive issue and who is 23 years old. After much research I believe he has mild autism. He is able to drive and holds a job (although a simple one - cleaning cars) but he seems to fit the description of someone with mild autism.
Communication with him has been a challenge but he has a heart of gold!!! After spending time with him I have begun to notice things that have made me wonder if he is into me as more than a friend. I know I should ask him bluntly to get the answer, but I am wondering what you all have to say...
I have noticed that he talks to me differently, he has a more passionate look in his eye and tells me almost everytime he sees me that he misses me and thinks about me all the time. He often has placed his hand on my leg, or puts his arm around my shoulders (like a friend would do). However, if he sits beside me he will lean into me. I hae noticed he will make moves to be physically closer to me whenever he can.
At first, I was uncomfortable...mainly because he would put his hands on my shoulder at work in front of people and I did not want to look unprofessional or as if we were together (because we were not). I even felt "dirty" because I knew had some sort of mental issue, but it was so comforting and felt good when he would do that. As I began to investigate, I discovered that he fits the criteria for someone with mild autism. I then found documentaries on people (As rare as it might be) being able to be in romantic relationships (autistic + neurotypical).
We have become good friends and he has told me he wants to be with someone. He says "girlfriend" but he shows so many signs that he is into me I wonder if he is afraid to say he is gay. Not only is coming out a huge step for many neurotypical people, but he is a Christian in a very tight Christian family who I don't think would be ok with that... I am aware of this and I think this also plays a factor.
I have noticed that although he will touch people sometimes, he touches me whenever he sees a slight opportunity. One time we went hiking and there were some logs and stuff to walk over and he would ask me to hold his hand to help him get over them and he held on as long as he could. Normal nerotypical male friends wouldn't do this...not where I am from, but I felt comfortable with it and so did he. But I have begun to notice that it is only with me that he seems to take any chance he can to have some sort of physical touch as harmless and platonic as it is, I feel he secretly likes me as more than a friend. Not only has he touched me as often as he can, but he always changed after work to impress me. It seemed whenever he and I would hang out after work, he would go to the bathroom and change out of his work clothes (which he hates) and put on "his" clothes that represent him and that he feels good in - but it always seemed to me that it was to impress me. He cares about his appearnce around me it seems more than around anyone else. He also compliments me on my appearance fairly often.
What do you think?
