I know I've mentioned this in this thread already...but when people answer a rhetorical question. Like if I say "ooh, do they do baked potatoes in this restaurant?" even though I know me and my boyfriend have never been to this particular restaurant before, and my boyfriend answers "I don't know, how do I know?" I know he doesn't know, it was just another way of saying "oh, I really fancy a baked potato right now". When asking a rhetorical question like that you're supposed to answer in an agreeable tone. Like:-
What I say: I wonder what food they do here? Do they do baked potatoes?
What I mean: I really fancy a baked potato and I hope they do them here
What the appropriate reply should be: I don't know
What it means (in the tone it is said): Oh that's nice you want a baked potato, hopefully they do them
Social interaction is not rocket science. Do I really need to teach NTs about reading between the lines?
Oh, and before the predictable reply comes, I'll just add that another pet peeve of mine is when other Aspies go "it's not the NTs misunderstanding you, it's you saying things at the wrong time in the wrong tone of voice". Just, just don't, OK? I've been with my boyfriend 8 years, and I don't have a speech deficit, and just because I'm on this spectrum it doesn't mean I speak in monotone, and lastly, when's the "right" time to discuss what meal you fancy when entering a restaurant? It's not like we're in the middle of a funeral and I suddenly jump up and go "oh, will they have my favourite food at the wake?" Now that would be an inappropriate time.
Social interaction is obvious and is not that precise or black and white.
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Female