Trouble with Social Cues

Recovery
#1

I have difficulty, at times, with understanding whether or not someone is serious, playfully teasing, playfully serious, etc. In the past, I've almost exclusively interpreted such exchanges in a negative light. (Early childhood conditioning.)

I don't know why I have trouble interpreting intent in conversational exchanges, but I do. (Written and spoken)

Can anyone relate to this? It's one of those issues that have made me feel different and alien most of my life. I'm really working on not feeling like I'm an outsider to the human species. That's why I ask questions like this and why I've started a blog of sorts on another social media platform. I talk about mental health, recovery, and my personal journey to a healthier self. I know that it's helped me to share and to listen to others about similar topics.

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#2

Asbergers or Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Worrying too much about shĂŻt that doesn't matter, like internet chatter?

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#3

I don't know why, but I like you :laughing:
I can't tell if you're being disparaging or humorous and I can be the same way lm@o

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#4

I think we all have a hard time understanding (non) verbal clues at times. It's up to us to ask questions to clarify. If not, you gotta let it roll off your shoulders. Don't dwell on it.

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#5

Yeah we all like Taylor but aren’t sure why. That’s fairly universal.

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#6

THIS made me laugh!

I think he challenges us to think sideways? Not outside of the box, necessarily, but more in a different direction?

#7

Thanks, Amanda :blush:

#8

Fairly.

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#9

Kelly, I can relate in reverse. I was told years ago that people didn’t know if I was serious or joking. It was not intentional on my part. What I learned was that being around passive aggressive people and controlling people some folks pick up their cues.

For instance, statements are made that are true but shrouded in sarcasm. So we can say a mean thing and if it’s not received well then we can say “I was just kidding” The ambiguity of a statement is a defensive and offensive weapon rolled into one.

Not sure if that makes any sense to you at all, but that’s how I understand it. Therefore, I practice saying what I mean and meaning what I say. Conversely I take people’s statements verbatim unless told otherwise.

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#10

Agreed

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#11

I get that 100%, Matt

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#12

Yeah d@mn humans. Their complicated sometimes :grin:

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#13

Naaaahhhh.... hahaha!