211
top 50 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] Nemo@slrpnk.net 51 points 3 weeks ago

For me, it's more like:

My social battery has been dead for a while and I can't moderate my behavior enough to get new people to put up with my bullshit.

[-] mcqtom@lemmy.world 13 points 3 weeks ago
[-] Kyrgizion@lemmy.world 8 points 3 weeks ago

That's why I hate the insertion of "mindfulness" into every type of self-help.

Motherfucker, did it ever occur to you that my hyper-awareness of shit is part of the cause of my problems?

[-] buffing_lecturer@leminal.space 4 points 3 weeks ago

Sometimes mindfulness is more of a soft awareness. Not really thinking or knowing about anything in particular.

I also don't like how it's used, because I have the same problem as you describe. It reminds me of trying to maintain a stoic perspective, being non-intellectually aware of sensations in your body, and trying to focus on what you can control.

[-] SolarBoy@slrpnk.net 3 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Awareness is only one part of mindfulness, you already got that, which is great.

The other part is equanimity, being aware of things, but not reacting or judging.

When you practice mindfulness, try to set a time goal of how long you want to do it and stick to it no matter what. If there are suddenly loud noises, or you suddenly feel very hungry, or you suddenly remember something important for work, just stick with the time you set. It'll get easier over time.

Doing it frequently definitely helps with hyper-vigilance and being overly aware of things.

load more comments (2 replies)
[-] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 27 points 3 weeks ago

Yup. It’s part and parcel of my autism.

[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 10 points 3 weeks ago

i was going to say this.

are you me? lol

[-] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 8 points 3 weeks ago

You can’t prove I’m not

[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

dang! got me/you there. i didn't know i/you was that smart. lol

[-] Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 5 points 3 weeks ago

Part of me is convinced this a joke for one guy, switching between two accounts, just laughing to himself. Like it's some kind of inside joke. And by "inside" I mean "inside his own head".

[-] JuxtaposedJaguar@lemmy.ml 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

With a 3rd alt for misdirection and a 4th alt for plausible deniability.

[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

i wonder the same thing myself. lol

[-] OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

There must be loads and loads of autism types. I see comments like this on Lemmy across the board. When I think of autism I think of truly slow autistic people. Can you explain deeper? I've looked online but there's a lot of wildly conflicting information.

[-] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 weeks ago

Sure. This guy was extraordinarily helpful for me.

[-] Geth@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 3 weeks ago

In recent years we've come to the conclusion that autism is much broather than previously understood and than many more people fall om its' spectrum. People that have an account on a platform like Lemmy are automatically highly probably autistic in some way because or the barrier to entry and specific interests that normal people wouldn't even bother with.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

What exactly do you mean by the barrier to entry? Did I unknowingly pass an autism test by creating an account?

[-] Geth@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 3 weeks ago

This is just my opinion. Lemmy doesn't conform to many of the current standards of reduced friction for the user. Before joining you have to figure out that there are more than one servers that you could join and make a decision which one you want to be on and depending on your choice you have to take a mini interview and/or be approved by someone to join. After joining you probably either deal with an ugly page design that someone created like in the hi5/GeoCities days or you have to choose one of the milion apps that are available for it. While browsing you have to figure out that there are duplicate communities and figure out which ones you want to subscribe to and figure out what kind of sorting works best for you on your main page. And in order to discover more communities you go to All where you see a bunch of unhinges stuff that either you learn how to block or you ignore.

By the time you are having a seamless experience you have truly past the test of being somewhere on the spectrum, because no normal person will ever put up with all this, as could be seen with the user gain of mastodon vs bluesky after Twitter went to shit. The platform with less friction even though more closed and proprietary gained more users.

load more comments (4 replies)
load more comments (3 replies)
[-] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 20 points 3 weeks ago

I'm wired wrong for most social interactions. It's a serious problem, and my attempts to overcome it generally make it much worse. But "accepting myself" means accepting unemployment, and then how can I pay rent? (Currently unemployed and living with family).

However, I don't think people's social behavior is all BS. I try not to be resentful. I know there's lots of BS, but I also know that's what becomes most obvious to me, so it's partly a matter of perception.

[-] hogmomma@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago

Mind elaborating on how you're wired wrong? Genuinely curious to see which, if any, traits we share.

[-] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 6 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Sure. There are layers to it. If I socially interact for a few hours then I'll become exhausted, probably cranky. A psychiatrist said I have ADHD, and the sensory input of multiple persons being around is too much. Social environments tend to be overwhelming. A psychologist said I have avoidant personality disorder, but I'm not sure I agree since my problem isn't based on fear, the fear is downstream to basic social inabilities. But the fear does cause its own problems.

I also have a social phobia. I don't think it's genetic, since I didn't have it as a kid. But my teenage years (11-18) were severely isolated, and full of humiliation and severe loneliness. I just never recovered from that. I spent my 20s trying to learn, forcing myself into all these social environments, but it was mostly just a torturous cycle of collapse.

I over-rely on my sense of humor, and this often causes problems. Most of the time it works really well (people like to laugh, and they appreciate a good joke), so I can make a very good first impression. But when it comes to "actual" social interaction, I simply have no idea what to say, like ever. I can negotiate well on other people's behalf, and I'm good at explaining things, but in open-ended social situations I tend to be weirdly quiet or else I say horribly wrong things without realizing it. I've experienced multiple instances of people doing prolonged campaigns of social warfare against me because I accidentally insulted them, and they recognize my vulnerabilities. I'm terrible at reading non-verbal communication (this isn't just a product of social anxiety or phobia... my brain just doesn't pick up on these things, doesn't know what to do with them). So basically I'm not a social creature. Some people actually have thought that I was mentally handicapped (or experiencing cognitive decline, or that I'm "on drugs") because I just don't respond like an intelligent person. But then I'll go to "therapy" (what a disgusting joke) and they'll see how well I can explain myself, and they'll declare me to be fine. Clearly no problems with "communication" (but socializing isn't just explaining things to a person).

I could go on and on, but that paints a picture.

[-] hogmomma@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

Thank you! :)

load more comments (6 replies)
[-] Azzu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

See how many people here share your troubles? There's no shortage of people like you. The thing is, like you say, you have to stop putting up with people's bullshit. When you notice bullshit, confront them with it, and if there's no way of reconciliation, move on immediately, don't try to "put up" with anything. From what you said it seems like you hold on to toxic people too long.

Also, have you ever thought about that you might also have "BS" that other people would have to deal with when they want to create a deep connection with you? Do sou think that's absolutely impossible?

load more comments (5 replies)
[-] match@pawb.social 15 points 3 weeks ago

~~social battery~~

social spicy pillow

[-] chosensilence@pawb.social 12 points 3 weeks ago

yes, but i am also becoming more tolerant of personal quirks as i’ve learned of my autism and how it impacts my socializing. i worry nobody likes me and tend to avoid conversation. i want friends. i have some, but more would be nice. something genuine and deep but equally as stupid and silly and shallow.

[-] DagwoodIII@piefed.social 12 points 3 weeks ago

Interacting with people is like any other skill. If you don't do it badly at first, you'll never get to the point where you can do it well.

I was an isolator who got a job where I was dealing with everyone in a public health facility. By 'everyone' I mean everyone from doctors and police to homeless schizophrenics.

It was sink or swim, but I got the skills.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 10 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I was very social when I was younger. Worked retail jobs from 15-23. I didn't have and technically still don't have a problem talking to whoever, whether it's a crackhead at the library or a prof at school. I just got to a point where I couldn't handle the abuse from family, being betrayed by my ex of 7 years, serious health issue, and noone wanted to help me through it regardless of what kindness I showed them in the past. Really woke me up to people's bullshit, smile to your face but consider you an annoyance when you're down and out. Made me really reconsider what I wanted to spend my few years on earth doing. Putting up with people, or providing myself with peace and security.

Edit: what I've found about being a forgiving person is that you can forgive someone for 100 of their faults but when the last straw breaks the camels back, you are automatically an anti-social asshole because you have a limit to how much BS you can handle

[-] DagwoodIII@piefed.social 3 points 3 weeks ago

Let's break it down.

First, what kind of 'peace and security' are you going to have without other people? Even if you manage to amass a vast fortune, you'll need some kind of caretakers.

Second, you act as if every single person you interact with is out to get you. You had a lousy family and apparently one adult relationship that floundered after 7 years. That sounds about average, tbh.

As for your health issues. Have you looked for support groups of people with the same problem?

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 5 points 3 weeks ago

I find a lot of peace in limiting my social interactions because a lot of people like to make assumptions and act like they know my life better than I do. In this world, money is directly correlated with security and being in healthcare I'm sure you already know the difference in quality of healthcare between someone with and without the means to afford it.

You're exaggerating and putting words in my mouth that every single person I interact with is out to get me. I hope you aren't in mental health with that kind of approach. I had and still have a lousy family. Are you making assumptions about my relationship history or did I tell you that I've only had 1 adult relationship?

I'm not looking for support groups, I was stating a part of why I lost a lot of faith in people.

Have a good night

load more comments (1 replies)
[-] compostgoblin 11 points 3 weeks ago

Yes, I feel that way sometimes. But I try to keep in mind that humans are innately social creatures, and I shouldn’t shut myself off like that. It helps to have pre-planned events with people I know I like, like playing a TTRPG or board game, or volunteering.

load more comments (1 replies)
[-] thezeesystem 8 points 3 weeks ago

You all had social batteries to start with.? I haven't really ever had it and haven't ever had much if at all deep connections. Not because I don't try but because people can't deal with my genetically dead social batteries.

[-] SolarBoy@slrpnk.net 2 points 3 weeks ago

If you're still interested to try and meet people, I would suggest still trying to meet up or go to locations with a bunch of people and check yourself.

How do you feel there, what do you notice, what makes you feel tired?

Very often you'll find yourself overly alert, overly self concious, or simply not used to the experience. These all drain energy.

Try again and notice if it changes. Keep trying.

[-] masterspace@lemmy.ca 7 points 3 weeks ago

Social media. You use it up spending time on Reddit and Lemmy etc.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

Nah, it's easy to block and or not engage in toxicity on social media if you choose so

[-] masterspace@lemmy.ca 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

That really does not matter. Spend some time camping with no phones and notice how differently you feel and behave. Humans did not evolve to have smartphones and social media, it triggers numerous emotional responses without actually satisfying them, by its inherent nature.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

When I burned out of the corporate world, I went back to school for horticulture and became a gardener. Nature bathing/green therapy is very real and I agree very important for people to do regularly to ground themselves in this chaotic world.

load more comments (1 replies)
[-] FRYD@sh.itjust.works 5 points 3 weeks ago

I have something like your problem. I try to be really patient and caring, but it’s gotten to the point where I have a reputation among my friends and family for it. Now I have more people to support than I can handle emotionally. My battery isn’t dead, but now it’s like blowing a breaker if the draw on any given day is too much.

[-] Kyrgizion@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

Caregiver burnout is a thing. Don't set yourself on fire to keep others warm.

load more comments (2 replies)
[-] dylanmorgan@slrpnk.net 5 points 3 weeks ago

I feel this a lot. Between people moving away and turning inward, I have maybe one or two really good friends.

[-] Beebabe@lemmy.world 5 points 3 weeks ago

It’s impossible for me. I always turn into the personal therapist. I see too much. And I can’t help it. Just ended a friendship over this because it was exhausting to maintain.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 7 points 3 weeks ago

see it as a gift :)

[-] daggermoon@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago

Nah, I'm just shy. Especially with women. I don't feel I have much to offer anyone.

[-] Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago

kicks you in the balls

Yes.

Want to be friends, but then never talk? Like ever?

load more comments (2 replies)
[-] Lukaro@piefed.zip 2 points 3 weeks ago

If my boss is in a talkative mood by the time I get home from work I don't want to hear another human at all.

[-] TheReanuKeeves@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago

I read this with pauses in the wrong spots and thought it was going to be some kind of joke that your boss was your wife or something

load more comments (1 replies)
[-] outhouseperilous@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 weeks ago

I find im always just howling into the void.

load more comments
view more: next ›
this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2025
211 points (100.0% liked)

Asklemmy

49753 readers
416 users here now

A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions

Search asklemmy 🔍

If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!

  1. Open-ended question
  2. Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
  3. Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
  4. Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
  5. An actual topic of discussion

Looking for support?

Looking for a community?

~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_A@discuss.tchncs.de~

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS