So...I meet this guy. He seems sweet and super smart. We start talking, a lot, and I realize that, omg!, he is giving me something I didn't even realize I've been craving: incredible mental stimulation. He makes me think in a way that I've been needing for a very long time. Intellectual discussions are a priority that I have not had the luxury of in a while. Among other very enjoyable aspects of such interaction.
So all seems to be going well. Until I start to realize, there's something a little off, not quite right. I can't put my finger on it, until one day, we start talking about discrimination against groups that aren't always completely obvious, such as gays or the mentally handicapped. He points out that people tend to discriminate against him because of his disorder.
Disorder, I say? Yes, he replies, I'm autistic. What?, I think. And then I think some more. The pieces fall into place and I reply, Would it happen to be Asperger's syndrome? Why, yes. Yes it is.
So now I'm seeing more and more of the symptoms, the behaviors, the interactions. There is a pronounced lack of empathy, a complete misunderstanding of social norms up to the point that it might be considered a disregard. There are other things, some slightly obsessive behaviors and some physical quirks, but those are nothing new in the world that I've come to know. My problem is, am I starting to see only the larger condition, and not the person?
Overall, a great guy. I can see that he struggles and tries to overcome the failings that are not his fault, but also that he is quite possibly perpetually stuck in those very failings. I can see where compatibility could become a problem, and also how I enjoy his company and the intensity of our conversations, which could follow us into others things.
So I suppose I should bite my tongue and ride it out for a while longer, just to see where my feelings might lead me this time. I'm pretty convinced that it won't be very far, because the possibility of conflict seems very high. I believe that is the tendency when pairing an emotional person who bases decisions on feelings and a logical person who bases decisions on reason.
We shall see. Any opinions?
So all seems to be going well. Until I start to realize, there's something a little off, not quite right. I can't put my finger on it, until one day, we start talking about discrimination against groups that aren't always completely obvious, such as gays or the mentally handicapped. He points out that people tend to discriminate against him because of his disorder.
Disorder, I say? Yes, he replies, I'm autistic. What?, I think. And then I think some more. The pieces fall into place and I reply, Would it happen to be Asperger's syndrome? Why, yes. Yes it is.
So now I'm seeing more and more of the symptoms, the behaviors, the interactions. There is a pronounced lack of empathy, a complete misunderstanding of social norms up to the point that it might be considered a disregard. There are other things, some slightly obsessive behaviors and some physical quirks, but those are nothing new in the world that I've come to know. My problem is, am I starting to see only the larger condition, and not the person?
Overall, a great guy. I can see that he struggles and tries to overcome the failings that are not his fault, but also that he is quite possibly perpetually stuck in those very failings. I can see where compatibility could become a problem, and also how I enjoy his company and the intensity of our conversations, which could follow us into others things.
So I suppose I should bite my tongue and ride it out for a while longer, just to see where my feelings might lead me this time. I'm pretty convinced that it won't be very far, because the possibility of conflict seems very high. I believe that is the tendency when pairing an emotional person who bases decisions on feelings and a logical person who bases decisions on reason.
We shall see. Any opinions?