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Intentional socializing/outings

Sherlock77

Sherlock77

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
An old friend of mine is also Autistic, I've known her for many years (off and on), she only shared that with me one year ago as we were simply catching up with each other

Anyway... I do tend to be a loner (not necessarily lonely), but probably do too many things simply on my own... Even Autistic people need companionship (maybe?)

Back in August when we talked at a local car show the idea came up of doing some regular outings together, so far we have done two outings, one just today... We went to a Christmas market, and then a local art centre that's in the countryside...

We have both agreed to get together once a month for an outing, this is actually a big step for me to think intentionally like that, and so far it has been a good thing... Just to be clear, this will not likely become a dating relationship because of her sexual preferences

One thing for me that I've struggled with is that Saturday afternoon is the one time of the week when I take photos (re: perhaps my obsession), so to take time to do something I don't photograph... Well, you probably get the idea... But I do know/should know that relationships are also very important...
 
That sounds very positive. Time with other Autistic people can be very rewarding, and has changed my own view of how I socialize and what my social needs are.

I understand what you are saying about photography. Perhaps you could go out early on your own to take pictures, then meet up with your friend. It may not be a typical Saturday, but could help put you at ease.
 
Funny, I have been doing this for years and didn't know it. About the ONLY time I go among people intentionally besides shopping is with a decades-long friend that when I shared my discovery of being autistic told me he had been diagnosed a decade or so before.
 
I also have reconsidered my social needs since discovering the forum and starting to speak with other autistic people. Turns out that there are many different types of socializing and not all of them are as draining and disappointing as I had thought. This has encouraged me to take chances on new experiences. If they don't work for me, I don't have to repeat or continue them, but by taking chances on people, I have had some very fulfilling and heartwarming social experiences over the last 18 months.
 
I am still active in public places but typically on my own... A loner...

And the person I spend time with doesn't have to be Autistic, although they might be sometimes
 
Mr. Stevens said:
...

I understand what you are saying about photography. Perhaps you could go out early on your own to take pictures, then meet up with your friend. It may not be a typical Saturday, but could help put you at ease.
Click to expand...
I'll disagree slightly, I think it's good to take a break from photography sometimes, it doesn't have to be everything I do, and probably a healthy way to be as well
 
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