I tried to find a current thread on this topic, but was unable, so forgive me if this is redundant.
I've been dating a guy for a few months now. I really love him and enjoy our relationship. There have been several very awkward/odd encounters and recently a "how's our relationship going" talk that was terribly awkward and confusing for me.
We watch Big Bang Theory and I, having previous knowledge of AS, mentioned that Sheldon's character seemed quite like someone with Aspergers (from my limited knowledge). And then I asked if he knew what that was. He paused, then said yeah. He then told me that he's only met one personally who had "full-on" AS and it was a professor he worked with. He described the monotone, non-emotional way the guy would answer his phone. And then that was it, end of conversation.
But somehow the next day the topic popped in my head again and I wanted to know more about the traits of Aspies, so I started doing research. Then I started recalling all of the suprising, unusual traits/preferences or ways of being that he had and was so surprised to see how many were consistent with Aspies - routine, light/sound/smell/touch sensitivity, picky eater - very restricted diet, very flat emotionally, doesn't compliment, doesn't understand why I'm upset when i occassionally get upset, super flexible, low alcohol tolerance, hates surprises, trouble initiating conversation, seemingly self-focused, stares at himself in the mirror constantly, etc, etc, etc....
I've been diving into research for 3 days, ordered two books about it and I so want to bring it up with him. But one, I don't know how to and if I should and two, it just occurred to me (reflecting on our AS conversation) that perhaps he already knows but chooses not to bring it up. He seems quite aware of his unique preferences and needs and brings them up to me when they need to be addressed.
Advice? Insights?