mentally exhausted interacting with other people

Hi Tassimo!

Thanks for the PM. Saw this and thought I would add my two cents - take it as peanuts or as pounds.

• It is entirely normal. I don't like the term 'high functioning' as I think it denigrates my fellow ASD peoples, but I am able to walk the fine line between being an extrovert and an introvert. I have a hard time explaining to NT's that even just a couple of hours can be exhausting, especially after and with the current post pandemic climate. 
• I'm terrible at knowing how to balance, so often land up exhausted and drained. But my tips are simple. Be confident and stand your ground, I know this is easier said than done, but your friends/associates will respect the boundaries of your time and space a lot more if you are firm about how your time is portioned out. Training to become a lawyer, and going into investment banking has taught me that your time is not just currency, it is the bracket by which you organise and do everything that you need for you and you only. Work with that logic and be confident in it.
• The second tip would be to avoid organizing or getting committed to things during the middle or at the start of the week. It sounds bizarre, but I notice if I have a weekend to rest - I am still fairly tired and drained on the Monday. So I usually aim to meet friends later during the week where I am a bit better adjusted and prepared. 
• Take you breaks. Want to read that book? Do that course or even just chill in bed and eat chips all day? Do it. Your wellbeing is not limited to just getting out and about, it's about self-care and that ties into looking after our mental wellbeing and making us less exhausted when we interact. I also find it helps, if you just give your friends a nudge to let them know that you may be a bit more tired or need a bit of pepping up. 

I would only caveat this by making a bold statement to you all, not just Tassimo. I know it is going to sound harsh, but believe me, it comes from a place of painful learning and sharp observation. Yes, things can get anxious and overwhelming when you are socialising and working your schedule. Lean on your friends, lean on your family - that is what they are there for. But do not, I repeat, do not stagnate your life by being afraid to say yes or no to people when they offer to socialise with you. For not only is it a good learning exercise, in being able to use your intuition to navigate difficult social scenarios, but it will also build your confidence more and more and give you a sense of empowerment that will strengthen with time. 

But brothers and sisters, you have to be prepared to make that move. The world will not turn on our axis. 

NAS74817 said:

Training to become a lawyer, and going into investment banking

Just reading this sentence makes me want to retreat to a warm, safe place...

I wanted to be an accountant for a while as teenager because i was excellent at Maths as a child.  I actually enjoyed it and would get my Nan to set me problems.

Yes it is actual science, they just need the support to do it. I think Mars is the prime candidate. Sorry about the late reply, this darn website is so hard to follow!

Yes it is actual science, they just need the support to do it. I think Mars is the prime candidate. Sorry about the late reply, this darn website is so hard to follow!