I keep hearing that this is frowned upon, but I cannot help it. After I share, I circle back and explain how and why I connected the two stories to try to recenter the other person. Is this annoying? How do you want ND people to respond in that case?
basically my entire friend group and family is autistic so advice may not apply to NTs
i always try asking the person what they want/need from me- like if they come to talk to me and are clearly upset, i ask “hey, what’s the best way to support you rn? you wanna rant to me, problem solve, share experiences?” that kinda thing. obvs sometimes people don’t know what they need and may need a minute to figure it out, but it’s become automatic to us now so i don’t often need to ask
also just to clarify- people haven’t said you’re being rude to your face/made any implications you’ve picked up on? i’ve seen people talk about it too so completely understand the worry over it. also culture impacts this kinda thing a lot (as a non-american, i’ve personally only seen americans say its rude, but social media focuses on them so much idk anymore). if nothing else, you could preface any story with “i experiences a similar thing so totally get where you’re coming from” as it might drive the “i’m not trying to make this about me, just supporting your emotions” point home more.
regardless, communication is important and the people worth sticking around should want to talk about these kinda things with you so everyone is supporting each other correctly
Thanks for that, I think asking what their needs are is probably a good segue. I don’t think anyone has ever said that I’m being self centered directly, but I have lost friendships and people refused to tell me what I did wrong soooo who knows what people really feel. Just sucks too, to have to be the person to ask what the other needs when that’s not afforded to you such is the life of an AuDHDer tho
