Social Anxiety Comebacks

[RemyZee]

I was wondering if anyone has a good idea for funny things to say to let people know that you have a hard time socially to break the ice--quips, remarks, funny things: "pardon my social awkwardness while I try to figure out what to say to you." "Excuse me while i have a social meltdown" or "I'm sorry can you repeat yourself? I was worrying about asking you to repeat yourself so I didn't get what you said." (Yes I know these are bad which is why I am finally am seeking help.) But I thought it would be a good idea as a way to let people know that I just have a difficult time socially rather than my usual trek into social tragedies. I thought maybe if I try something funny people might be easier on me, but I am about as funny as a lugnut.

 

[Tuffsy]

I agree that jokes can be a great ice breaker and I use them quite a bit. But these days there seems to be more awareness of mental health issues and sometimes I just say, "I'm on the spectrum so I may say inappropriate things" and a lot of people will accept that.

 

[AspieChris]

I usually start by apologizing for forgetting a person’s name in advance.

“ I’m gonna warn you right now….I suck at remembering names. Don’t be offended if I have to ask your name later. I’m great with faces but names are my Kryptonyte.”

 

[Outdated]

I thought maybe if I try something funny people might be easier on me, but I am about as funny as a lugnut.

It's a good approach, even if you're not very funny people will recognise the attempt and relax more around you.
"Yeh, I'm a bit weird, but you'll get over it."
"Relax, I'm mostly harmless."

I agree with Tuffsy that there's a lot more general understanding of autism in the community these days. Some people now ask me straight out if I'm autistic.