I don't care about your child or your day, but if something's bothering you, I'll most probably notice it and.. empathise with it.
I can't empathise, I can only sympathise.
It becomes a bit obvious and somewhat awkward when trying to reassure friends and family.
I can usually tell what's bothering a person before they can, but it's difficult to "cheer up" someone (without ignoring their right to feel) when you can only vaguely understand the pressures of their emotion.
Though I guess you might not always enjoy being able to feel what others can.
Life's complicated whatever's the emotional spectrum.. Being an "empath" helps making friends, putting people at ease and being a good listener. Although being aloof doesn't help at all :)
I think I might've known a couple people I could bet they're borderline psycho/sociopath, but they definitely didn't seem to understand other people, and they just steamrolled through them and life, lying, manipulating, without ever noticing. So seems to me you're quite functioning compared to them.
After all, being unable to totally and completely understand other people is part of the human experience.
> So seems to me you're quite functioning compared to them.
Good to hear it. I was lucky, diagnosed at a young age, and people around me to help teach me how to fit in, and the patience to keep trying.
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Always nice to hear stories from another perspective.
> After all, being unable to totally and completely understand other people is part of the human experience.
I couldn't agree more.
> (edit: not sure who downvoted you)
Shrug. This kinda stuff tends to be sensitive to people. Internet points aren't important enough to get in the way of a good conversation.
The article does get caught up in it's continual comparisons to killers.
But for those with no criminal history? I'd still call it a disorder.
I find it exceptionally difficult to interact with the average person on a daily basis. Well, more tiring than overly difficult.
I'm not normally interested in how your day is, so why should I ask?
Fantastic, you had a child. I've accepted that, no need to keep talking, I'm sure you're proud. I feel something akin to pride in my own daughter as she learns to clap and walk. But I don't know why you'd care to listen to me saying that.
To be part of society though, I've developed rules, and they help me fit in. Smiling, laughing, being quiet and sympathetic.
Unfortunately, I also need to regulate some heavy self-control.
I should attempt to convince someone of the right choice. They're a human being, they deserve their independence.
But it's so much simpler to manipulate them into doing what I want.
It can short-circuit days of discussion with clients.
But, the system of rules I made myself don't allow it. I had to include morality in these rules, because if I have worth, then others must, from a rational view.
I'm not free of morality - but it does require active effort to abide by it.