Can't be bothered to be NT social... a problem?

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Before I used to put a TON of effort into being as super amazingly close to NT as possible, but I find that I've really burned out with this idea. (also really tired of the pressure from my family members about being too autistic but that's a different issue...)
But so sometimes I can clue into the invisible air context at my work place and can see that the people want me to be more social and talk more, but I just can't be bothered anymore.
I also find it very hard to constantly vomit up NT social norms on the spot. I am getting REALLY tired of it REALLY fast.
It also drains my energy a lot leaving me unable to do the actual work for my job, but sometimes it really seems like my coworkers would prefer to have me talk and be social to actually doing my work.
I jsut want to work and .... like not socialize.
Also, they play music at work and it drives me insane, I can't put headphones on or listen to my own music because I have people coming up to my desk and asking me stuff so I have to listen to that and.... ugh it's SUPER DUPER distracting. Extraneous sound in particular is a huge source of mental fatigue and overstimulation/stress for me. But I feel like I can't do anything about that..... and then they just expect me to be so damned social! LIke ... I feel like I have nothing to say.
I try talking about the weather or traffic or i don't know breakfast or whatever... but the problem is when I do that...... Then my face dies and I get that stiff poker face and that weirds people out it's a no-win situation.
I laugh to myself about it... but I know my coworkers are definitely confused by my lack of really basic social fluidity... because they feel like I present much more sociably. Which is only because during interviews I am good at talking about my work and stuff I have done- I have good scripts for that, but other than that I'm dead quiet.
I just have nothing to say!! !

Interesting. Tell me. What social norms do you find inspire the image of vomit?



Unlikely. Such coworkers generally don't want you to use your work as a way of excluding them. Coworkers are a bit funny about that.


Amen to that.


Background noises can have that effect. (speaking from experience) The mental fatigue resulting from that can make doing work so much harder. It's like pushing your thoughts through a mix of noise and mud, isn't it?


How well do these people know you? One thing I've noticed is that the more time you spend with certain people, the more they get used to that "dead face" and just accept that as part of who you are. Those are the kinds of friends, coworkers, and family that you should treasure the most by the way.



Then don't say anything. There is nothing worse than trying to force and fake conversations, especially if it isn't stuff that interests you. It can cause you to come off as fake which can make you even MORE off putting.

Bottom line is this Unfortunate Aspie. I like you just the way you are with all the full on Mr. Rogers sincerity. The people who matter most in your world will too.