118
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by larsthespacepirate@lemmy.world to c/autism@lemmy.world

lemmy deleted my completely finished post right before posting so let's try this again. I find it so annoying that I have to sugarcoat everything. I feel like I'm coddling people. I understand being polite to strangers, but it's so annoying when my family, who knows I'm autistic, gets upset at my bluntness. I've explained multiple times that I'm not trying to be rude and I'm just trying to communicate in a way that works for me, but it doesn't work. I just don't understand why I have to say "hey, would you mind not letting the dogs tangle? thank you:)" in some high pitched voice when I could just say, "can you not let the dogs tangle?" in a tone that conveys I'm serious. it's so much easier when intentions are simply stated.

edit: I'm having trouble posting comments but thank you for all your responses! it's helping me see things a bit easier, and I definitely have things I can work on now :)

another edit for clarity: my family and I have talked about my communication style. I've tried to find ways to meet them in the middle, as I want a compromise. they've been unsuccessful but I'm continuing to try. I want to be at a point where it's not stressful and exhausting to talk to my family. this was more of just a vent post, as I was feeling really annoyed.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] helpimnotdrowning@lemmy.sdf.org 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

people interpret tone as emotion, where a more serious tone conveys that you might be mad about something they think (true or not) they are not at fault for; a playful tone makes that "load" lighter and doesn't sound as "accusing" (for lack of a better word).

it's just a byproduct of language and culture that can be as difficult to overcome as it can be understood. lots of things could be easier if everyone changed, but when's the last time everyone agreed on something?

(at least this is what I've come to understand)

edit: also!! comments like "you are not responsible for others" are only half-true. while you shouldn't be bearing the weight of others, you can't ignore it completely! people come to expect a certain level of comradery when close to them. if you act without care to others, they will become distanced since they may not see you caring for their mental/emotional well-being (as one should, including you and I!).

a certain amount of care is required to keep eachother comfortable, this amount can vary and requires experimentation if you're not already accustomed. it'll be scary but it's the best way forward (in my option)

[-] larsthespacepirate@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I definitely want to communicate in a way everyone likes. since I can't control how my words are perceived, i try really hard usually to fit other people's standards. I don't want to make communication hard for others like people make if for me. and I don't want to upset anyone. but then when i ignore how i want to communicate, when im stressed all the bluntness comes out in full force. I really hope we can find a good group compromise, cause I don't want people to be offended or me to be exausted.

[-] helpimnotdrowning@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 1 year ago

learning to use tone correctly and actively thinking about it (as opposed to passively using it like others do) can definitely be tiring since it's basically an exercise to your mind. the only way to get to the "passive use" state is to do it until it doesn't get tiring anymore.

however, the stressed->blunt part does sounds like a normal response, since that tone seems to convey your emotions at that time. if you're feeling stressed alot for this to be common, i would also try to manage stress better, like cutting up tasks into easily manageable parts (but don't cut them too small, as that can make them unmanageable and hard to keep track of!) and giving yourself time to destress by doing things you like to do (video games, shows, videos, music, ... hobbies in general, ...), but also don't overdo it and leave you actual responsibilities behind

(remember that this comment, like most here, comes from experience, not study so might not work for you or need tweaking)

load more comments (2 replies)
this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2023
118 points (100.0% liked)

Autism

6515 readers
53 users here now

A community for respectful discussion and memes related to autism acceptance. All neurotypes are welcome.

We have created our own instance! Visit the following community for more info:

Our Community

Values

Rules

  1. No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments e.g: racism, sexism, religious hatred, homophobia, gatekeeping, trolling.
  2. Posts must be related to autism, off-topic discussions happen in the matrix chat.
  3. Your posts must include a text body. It doesn't have to be long, it just needs to be descriptive.
  4. Do not request donations.
  5. Be respectful in discussions.
  6. Do not post misinformation.
  7. Mark NSFW content accordingly.
  8. Do not promote Autism Speaks.
  9. General Lemmy World rules.

Encouraged

  1. Open acceptance of all autism levels as a respectable neurotype.
  2. Funny memes.
  3. Respectful venting.
  4. Describe posts of pictures/memes using text in the body for our visually impaired users.
  5. Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
  6. Questions regarding autism.
  7. Questions on confusing situations.
  8. Seeking and sharing support.
  9. Engagement in our community's values.
  10. Expressing a difference of opinion without directly insulting another user.
  11. Please report questionable posts and let the mods deal with it. Chat Room

Helpful Resources

Relevant Communities

Autism:

ADHD:

Bipolar:

Mental Health:

Misc:

Neurodivergence:

Social:

^lemmy.world/c/autism^ ^will^ ^happily^ ^promote^ ^other^ ^ND^ ^communities^ ^as^ ^long^ ^as^ ^said^ ^communities^ ^demonstrate^ ^that^ ^they^ ^share^ ^our^ ^community's^ ^values.^

Lemmy World Donations

The admins of our instance work hard to ensure that we have a good place to host our community. They are also helpful at protecting our community from trolls and other malicious actors. They do this for free, so if you appreciate our community, please consider donating to them. The first link is the preferred method, but both work.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS