I find it strange how people relate to strangers. For most of human history, encounters with strangers were rare and intense. Casual contact with people I don't know is harder for me than for most, but I imagine it's hard on everyone - a source of subliminal anxiety and fear. My husband, who has Asperger's syndrome, is largely unencumbered by social pressures. I find that fascinating, and I wish I could learn it.
People talk as if Asperger's people have no empathy, but that's not true. In many ways my husband is kinder than I am. He just doesn't like lies, or saving face, or covering his ass.
Which is why he is unemployed. He's a brilliant man, but - so far - too odd for people to hire. His father wants him to get SSI. Because telling the truth is a mental illness.
People talk as if Asperger's people have no empathy, but that's not true. In many ways my husband is kinder than I am. He just doesn't like lies, or saving face, or covering his ass.
Which is why he is unemployed. He's a brilliant man, but - so far - too odd for people to hire. His father wants him to get SSI. Because telling the truth is a mental illness.
1 comment:
Contact with people I don't know, and might never see again, is easier for me. But then I'm weird.
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