Does anyone else mind being asked how you're doing, by people who clearly have zero reason to actually care how you're doing? They're not really asking, and you're not expected to answer honestly. You know you're supposed to say 'good', 'fine', or similar. But maybe, like me, you refuse to lie on cue to complete a meaningless ritual of insincerity, all to humor a person you won't even remember next month. I'll say 'reasonable'. Or I'll just reply with a simple "hi.", which sometimes surprises and confuses the ultra-robotic types. (Input error! He didn't say "good"! Malfunction. Can't process, must repeat the query!)
As people on the spectrum, we tend to take other people's words too literally. And dishonesty? That's a last resort, not something we're inclined to perform on cue. Customer service employees are instructed to ask this of everyone. And uncreative types use it as a conversation opener. It's considered basic politeness, sure, but why not greet people honestly instead?
No one has ever agreed with me instantly when I make this point. But if there's any place where others might already completely get my meaning, it's probably right here.
As people on the spectrum, we tend to take other people's words too literally. And dishonesty? That's a last resort, not something we're inclined to perform on cue. Customer service employees are instructed to ask this of everyone. And uncreative types use it as a conversation opener. It's considered basic politeness, sure, but why not greet people honestly instead?
No one has ever agreed with me instantly when I make this point. But if there's any place where others might already completely get my meaning, it's probably right here.
