this post was submitted on 22 Jul 2025
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Autism
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Yes. So very yes. I'm over 40 now and have most social situations set as templates or template variations, but as a teenager and young adult it was hard to get the unspokenly expected responses and reactions right.
These days I got it all covered so well that I have anyone and everyone so convinced that I am an extrovert that they actually laugh when I suggest I'm in truth an introvert and more.
I still am overly self conscious too much, especially AFTER any interactions, reflecting way too much on how I might have come over, seemed, what was too much, not enough, etc.
It's a mask I can no longer turn off as it's automated and its very exhausting.
But it works... Based on my observations.
This is me. I could have written every word of this (if not so succinctly). I often wonder how much of my fatigue is due to wearing the mask all the time.