All of my social skills are based on logical analysis and a lot of trial and error.
I enter every conversation with a goal of what I wish to communicate and how I want the other person to feel. I then attempt to do the proper things to make that happen.
Society tells us that this way of handling interpersonal interaction is manipulative and evil. For many people, this is the only way we can function in a society that doesn’t think the way we do.
As a note, I don’t personally have autism, my issue is different, but I share a significant number of traits with those who do.
> I then attempt to do the proper things to make that happen. Society tells us that this way of handling interpersonal interaction is manipulative and evil.
part
I too find it quite easy to relate to others by taking their perspective as well as easily being able to imagine how they may be feeling. To the point that my point of view and emotions become influenced by others in a sort of sympathetic reaction. EDIT My limited vocabulary skills made me unaware of the fact that this is known as "compassion" Very similar to how when someone yawns I find myself wanting to and normally yawning also.
In most cases I feel this is to my social benifit but at certain times it has been to my detriment. Typically where I have assumed the wrong perspective and feelings, or possibly my own ego has projected my perspective upon others in a sort of pseudo empathy. In my own experience this has been particularly damaging when entering personal relations with sociapathic type individuals.
This is a wise analysis. The temptation to see you want to be there, not what is. One would hope empaths shall avoid sociopaths for their own good.
The only thing that needs practice is extending it to strangers and enemies/rivals.