Special Interest Turnover

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I can't help it, but I feel like I'm losing interest in one of my special interests. I have had this happen before and it always feels like I am losing a best friend and it hurts. I know that special interests are common among people on the Spectrum, and I was just wondering if this has happened to any of you before, and if so, how did you cope?
The bright side is that I think I am gaining a new special interest, but I miss my old one.
I hope this post makes sense.

For me I don't so much lose special interests as they just stop dead, very suddenly and without any warning. I always liken it to a little switch being flicked off inside my head. One minute I'm obsessed with something and the next minute it's ancient history. I don't feel anything for former interests, if I still felt anything for them they'd still be active special interests and obviously they're not.

Yes, it's strange to know it's happening, watching your special interest kind of drop dead or evaporate...it can be sad.

I tend to cycle interests, so if one suddenly switches off, several months later it might suddenly switch back on. I actually know to expect this with certain interests now, after experiencing it so many times. So it's not as sad as a permanent loss might be.

Thank you for the replies. It's a weird feeling. It's only been about a day since my change of heart, so to speak and I feel like a huge part of me is missing.

Your special interests never go away. They become a part of you.

I remember the evening that my special interest in Swinging London and Carnaby Street evaporated. It was weird. I found myself falling in love with Sgt. Schultz instead of Peter Newkirk. I was thinking in my mind that it couldn't be happening. However, a byproduct of that special interest stayed with me. My ongoing unquenchable thirst for the music of The 60s British Invasion. The Kinks are also still my favourite band.

Past interests may have faded, but still enriched your understanding. In that way it's not a loss. Sometimes they can return without warning too. It's fortunate to have something interesting that "speaks to you", even if it switches from time to time.

If the title of this thread were a pastry, what would the filling be?

I have heard many people speak about this. It does seem to be something between depression and grieving, maybe closer to grieving. It will go away when you discover something new.

I like the thought that your past special interests are always a part of you. You never know when that closeness to a topic will come in handy later. You might be able to contribute knowledge or a point of view that no one else could.

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I think that my last special interest will definitely always be a part of me. Right now, it feels like a loss, but I'm glad it was my special interest and I don't regret it.

Also, I personally think this thread should be blueberry. But I'm biased because that is my favorite