Useless Advice

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I second (third? fourth?) the advice to "be yourself". Taken literally, it's generally not good advice for people on the spectrum, or for anyone, for that matter. Being *completely* yourself is not well received by most people.

Some time later, I realized that "be yourself" *actually* means to reveal bits and pieces of yourself in the context of the environment you are in. So, for example, when you are just getting to know someone, you should not go on about your life story, tell the person highly personal information or talk at length about a special interest (unless you have it in common). People want to know you, but not every single bit of you...a mistake I made all the time in the past.

People, expect, however, that you reveal some basic personal things about yourself and to let parts of your personality shine through within respect to basic social conventions. This is something I often didn't do because I thought people would assume that I was weird. But I'm talking about basic things I reveal to people: that I am funny and fun-loving, that I love helping others, am passionate about human behavior and I love cats.

"Alcohol gives you confidence-if you drink, you'll feel more social".

"You just need to talk more!"

Hmm... worst advice ever?

"Try blending in with others"

HAHAHAHA like that's EVER going to happen. i cant even small talk a cat.

I have got the "be yourself" speech before. It was about as useful as being told to "do a barrel roll!."

If I [i]weren't[i] being myself than you wouldn't have a problem with the way I'm acting