I'm rather quiet so that often goes against me. Also I don't ask many questions during a conversation, I just reply with "oh" a lot. I think not asking questions makes people think you're not that interested. But I worry about asking questions in case people think I'm nosy or intrusive.
Also I can't always think of what to say in a group. For example today at work a few of my colleagues were standing in the yard having a quick chat as they were passing inbetween tasks, and so I joined them on my way to the sink to wash my hands. They were laughing at a joke and I heard the joke so I laughed too. I felt like this was a cue to say something, like add something to the joke, but I couldn't think of anything, so I stood there awkwardly and I went on my way to wash my hands (they scattered off after anyway because they had work to do).
So it's not like I'm socially clueless or socially disconnected, it's just that I am socially awkward at times. Despite my social awkwardness, I am an easy person to get on with, thank God. I don't like arguments or trouble, I can co-operate, I can get jokes, my ears are always open (meaning I'm not in my own world), I make eye contact, I'm polite and friendly, and I am understanding and trusting. If somebody tells me a secret, I know they want to keep it a secret even though they haven't said to keep it quiet, but I keep it quiet anyway because I could tell they wanted me to. So that earns me people's trust. I do like gossip but I don't start gossip. I just like to hear it. But if people are badmouthing somebody, I wouldn't tell that person.
The social skills I do have I'm grateful for. I believe I have rather good social skills for an Aspie, and the social skills I have trouble with don't interfere too much with my daily life.
The only social skills that would affect my daily life are interaction with the public or being in any position of authority (like working with children). I had experience in both of these job types before and I just clammed up. It's best I stay in a job where I don't have to serve the public or be in authority. My social skills with colleagues are much better than my social skills with the public.
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Female