Knofskia wrote:
It is sad that people sometimes think ill of others without any evidence

and simply for being quiet.
An autism professional once told me that I was rude for not making eye contact.

It is a common, well known autism trait to have difficulty with making eye contact!
Difficulty, not lack of interest! They should have known better.
But this idea has been ingrained in me as well. I feel so rude and guilty when I cannot reply to people making friendly conversations.

Guilt and fear of offending or hurting others is my main driving force to talk to people. Unfortunately I often overdo it and probably annoy them more but it has been useful to be made aware of others’ perception of me- even if yhe process was unfair and painful.
However this can make one ‘lose’ themselves.
I am currently striving for a balance of paying attention to my inner state and goals , as well as others’ needs. It is a difficult but necessary balance. It does not come naturally to me.
It is harder as I am prone to alexythemia and reading/self-reflection/socializing on forums, and therapy, has helped me somewhat identify my feelings in the moment.
Somewhat.
Then after figuring that out, even if it just happens by using logic (ie logically i would be angry at ths , others wd be, i am wanting to yell and therefore i must be angry)
I have to prioritize what is and isn’t important.
EG in this moment is talking n figuring outtheir expectation necessary/important or is my own focus n self talk important ?
I am proud when I manage it even in minor interactions.
_________________
Take defeat as an urge to greater effort.
-Napoleon Hill