u/Julia27a

I never understood why people glared at me, or would say my name in a stern way followed by a blank stare and silence. Until recently I would walk away and think “What tf was that all about?” Cluelessly and uncomfortably.

This is a neurotypical social cue for “cut it out” or “adjust your voice.” This is their way of indirectly “correcting” me whenever I’m socially awkward. The problem with these “corrections” is I never have any idea what they’re implying I did wrong. I’ll think I’m having a normal conversation and they’ll stop and glare at me, expectantly, while I’m confused as hell and getting more nervous by the second.

It could be something small like they didn’t like my tone of voice or thought I was being too wordy or long winded.

I can’t recognize any of this in real time.

Imagine someone who’s neurotypical and doesn’t have neurodivergent traits but is considered an outcast either due to their past, appearance, reputation, or because they’re poor, part of a minority group, or because they generally don’t fit in with the rest of society.

Were you able to vibe with them and be friends with them? I wasn’t able to do it. I tried this several times but they didn’t want to be friends.

I’ve had experiences where I said “Hey how’re you all doing?” in livestream chats and I’ve had hosts literally pop off with “STFU Julia.” and the comments go at me just for typing.

It’s like people can tell. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it feels like people just know.

I can’t explain the hostility any other way. Random bullying that comes out of nowhere.