Just to say hi from another country

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I always find hellos so awkward! Forever I wish to jump in immediately to a conversation without doing the hello part. As I've accidentally ended up posting other things before this... sorry?

Anyway hi, I'm diagnosed with asperger's/mild autism (I was told there's a shift happening with the diagnosis and it may just end up being called mild autism in the future). I function more or less OK but I don't have a lot of friends.

While I'm a native US-ian, I currently live in Korea, and I have to say that moving to a totally different language and culture is the best choice I ever made from an aspie standpoint.

1. I don't understand the language, so when I'm in a loud crowded place, I don't get overwhelmed as easily because it's easier to separate signal from noise. (I still get upset, but the threshhold is MUCH higher, since I'm not interpreting everything around me.)

2. Korea is extremely isolated compared to many western nations, so there is a constant assumption that I am already "different." I am expected to behave strangely and say odd things (for people who know English) or things that might come off as rude, and am automatically excused from all but the worst offenses (I've avoided these so far) just for being a foreigner. (It's almost like I'm on the "wrong planet," but everyone knows it and admits it and gives me slack for it, amazing.)

Its funny, I think I'm the only foreigner in a strange land who has ever been more stressed out interacting with other foreigners than locals!

So... that's what I have to say by way of an introduction to what my life is like (and a totally awesome recommendation to move abroad if you've ever considered it.)

I guess that's just what I thought was relevant right now.

Welcome

Good to see you're liking it over there

Hi and welcome to WP! I too am from a different country---I'm born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan.

Yup, the same reason why I am considering to move to another country with a different language.

Hi prolix.

My case is kind of similar to yours I lived in London, UK (nothing you do is strange in that city, at least for the years I was there that was my impression), now I'm in Canada. I'm a foreigner in both countries and yes, being a foreigner does help. I cringe when I have to meet people of my own country I just don't get on with them...