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BrianWV38
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17 Dec 2025, 8:11 am

I have to admit I sometimes feel like I just do not fit in with anybody. I am autistic, but people typically assume that means I have special interests or hobbies. Alas I have neither. My mind just does not work that way. I am more eclectic with my interests and pursuits. Nothing keeps my attention for too long. I tend to bounce from one divergent interest to another. I am pretty well rounded- I could come across as semi-knowledgeable on a vast array of issues. But nothing brings me great joy or a burning desire to endlessly learn more.

I am the same way with hobbies. I will do something for a bit and then move on. I never have a desire to master anything. Part of this maybe I am just about the least competitive person you will ever meet. I really do not compete against other humans in anything. I get no joy or fun from competing against others- it is just not my thing. Obviously, I do things like read, but I do not enjoy talking about what I am reading. Well, you probably get a rough idea what kind of person I am by now.

The one thing that stands out to me though is a desire for a romantic relationship. This occupies a great deal of my thinking and has for over twenty years now. It is the one thing that really brings me great joy and fulfillment in life. People tend to think I am cold and uncaring. People often think I need to show more passion and interest in life. The thing is this is the issue I am passionate about, this is the thing that interests me.

Dating advice often goes like this, you need to have hobbies and interests on your own before you start to pursue a relationship. I guess that is great for other people but what if you do not have hobbies or special interests that really fascinate you? Why can't being in a relationship be my hobby and special interest?

I am not trying to categorize or gatekeep or anything like that. But I certainly feel that a desire for romantic connection with another person can definitely be a person's special interest. It seems to be with me at least.



Carbonhalo
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17 Dec 2025, 8:22 am

Verily

Romance, Chemistry, Harmonies and Sparks.

(Well that's a poetic way to extol my special interests. Sex, Drugs, Rock'n'Roll and Blowing s**t up)



BrianWV38
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17 Dec 2025, 8:23 am

Carbonhalo wrote:
Verily

Romance, Chemistry, Harmonies and Sparks.

(Well that's a poetic way to extol my special interests. Sex, Drugs, Rock'n'Roll and Blowing s**t up)


Very cool



Ziluz
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17 Dec 2025, 10:17 pm

I think it could be. Special interest can be almost any existing thing, being or situation (imo).

Special interest tend to be defined with the amount of interest, what you do with it, and the time you spend doing what you with that interest, Not about what it is.



deadregen7
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17 Dec 2025, 11:03 pm

Yes.



CockneyRebel
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22 Dec 2025, 12:53 am

Anything can be a special interest.


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lostonearth35
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25 Dec 2025, 12:43 am

Oh no! Autistics can't feel real love or emotions in general, so how could any of us have a highly illogical interest like romance??

Okay, that's just a stereotype. But it does seem many of us are aromantic.



Tamaya
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25 Dec 2025, 1:04 am

The only thing I've ever had special interests with is men I have a crush on. Although I call them obsessions or infatuations more so than special interests. Well it's a less intelligent version of a special interest, in my case anyway. I suppose obsessing romantically over certain people requires less direct focus than an interest such as programming or gaming or watching Star Wars. I have ADHD.


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BrianWV38
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25 Dec 2025, 12:27 pm

I guess all I can say now is I am looking for the right person. If anyone is interested in chatting my DM's are always open.